When Alabama needed a basket, Grant Nelson found a way to convert a layup, draw a foul and sink a free throw for a late two-point lead.
And when the Crimson Tide needed a stop on the next possession, Nelson, again, found a way to deliver.
His man-to-man defense on North Carolina’s RJ Davis forced a shot-clock violation inside the final 10 seconds Thursday, and Alabama converted its free throws down the stretch to knock off No. 1 seed North Carolina — the first top seed to fall in March Madness 2024 — and advance to the program’s first Elite Eight since 2004.
Nelson had a chance to put the Crimson Tide up by four with 0.9 seconds remaining, but he missed both free throws.
North Carolina’s last-second heave, though, was blocked by Nelson — his fifth of the night, to go along with 24 points and 12 rebounds — to seal the victory.
Alabama will face Clemson on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four.