Tide Wins Physical Fight, Advance to Sweet 16

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Grand Canyon Antelopes fought back and forth, with multiple players in foul trouble in the physical contest. The Crimson Tide took an eight-point lead into the half, but Alabama lost Latrell Wrightsell Jr. midway through the first half with a head injury. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.

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The second half had Alabama and Grand Canyon exchanging punches like two heavy-weight opponents. Nate Oats discussed Alabama's defensive effort, and the Crimson Tide won this game off of their defense. They held Grand Canyon to 32.1% shooting from the field and 10% shooting from three.

Alabama's offense came back down to Earth after a strong Friday night against Charleston. The Crimson Tide shot 36.9% from the field and 25.8% from three.

Mohamed Dioubate, once again, provided good minutes for Alabama in limited time. He tallied nine points, five rebounds, and two steals.

Alabama Stat Leaders

Points: Mark Sears - 26

Rebounds: Mark Sears - 12

Assists: Aaron Estrada, Mark Sears - 6

Blocks: Grant Nelson, Mohamed Dioubate, Nick Pringle - 2

Steals: Mark Sears - 3

Sears had a double-double for Alabama.

The Crimson Tide defeated the Antelopes 72-61 in the round of 32.

The big concern for Alabama is the health of Latrel lWrightsell Jr. It is unconfirmed what his injury is, but to be ruled out quickly for the rest of the game, and have his parents join him in the locker room after the injury, you certainly hope it's nothing major. Alabama already has lost Davin Cosby Jr. for the tournament with a broken foot.

The Crimson Tide will play against the North Carolina Tar Heels in Los Angeles, California in the Sweet 16. It's the third time in five years Alabama has made the Sweet 16, and the second consecutive year. It's the third time Alabama has made two consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament.