Alabama holds off top-seeded North Carolina 89-87 to reach Elite Eight for 2nd time ever WSOC TV [Video]

LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Alabama’s mantra for this NCAA Tournament is next — as in the next play, next game, next everything. What’s next for the Crimson Tide is the second Elite Eight in school history.

Grant Nelson converted a go-ahead three-point play with 38 seconds remaining, and Alabama became the first team in this year’s tournament to oust a No. 1 seed, beating North Carolina 89-87 on Thursday night.

“These guys are bringing their competitive side out at the right time,” Tide coach Nate Oats said. “You want to be peaking in March and we’re peaking in March.”

Nelson finished with a season-high 24 points, 19 in the second half, and he blocked RJ Davis’ attempt at a tying layup after giving Alabama the lead. He had 12 rebounds and five blocks.

“I thought I had an advantage on Nelson and he was able to swat it,” Davis said.

Rylan Griffen added 19 points, tying …