Alabama guard Mark Sears (1) celebrates after scoring during the first half of an Elite 8 college basketball game against Clemson in the NCAA tournament Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Alabama utilized a barrage of three-pointers to secure their first-ever Final Four appearance in program history. In a matchup against Clemson, Alabama’s guard Mark Sears showcased his sharpshooting skills by sinking seven three-pointers, contributing to the team’s total of 16 triples in their 89-82 victory over Clemson. Sears, who hails from Alabama, expressed his emotions about the achievement, emphasizing the significance of accomplishing this feat with his teammates.
The Tide, with a record of 25-11, will now face defending national champions UConn in the upcoming Final Four in Glendale, Arizona. Alabama’s journey to the Final Four included a notable win against top-seeded North Carolina in the Elite Eight. Sears’ outstanding performance earned him the title of the most outstanding player in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region.
Despite facing early struggles with long-range shots, including freshman Jarin Stevenson’s initial airballs, Alabama’s resilience and Stevenson’s remarkable five three-pointers off the bench played a pivotal role in their victory. Head coach Nate Oats praised Stevenson’s contribution, highlighting his growth during the game.
The Tide celebrated their historic achievement with “Net Worthy” T-shirts and a shower of confetti, symbolizing their triumph. In contrast, Clemson, aiming for their first Final Four appearance, fell short despite Joseph Girard III’s and Ian Schieffelin’s efforts. Alabama’s relentless three-point shooting, especially in the second half, overwhelmed Clemson and secured their place in the Final Four.
