Crimson Tide’s 16 Threes Too Much for Clemson, Alabama Wins Western Region
Photo Credit: Ashley Landis, Associated Press Photo
After shooting a blistering 16-36(44.4%) from three-point range, the Alabama Crimson Tide(25-11) took down the Clemson Tigers(24-12) by a score of 89-82 in the Elite Eight round of the Tournament, clinching the Western Region and reserving their spot in a matchup against the number one overall seed, the University of Connecticut.
Though Clemson was leading the Tide by 13 points at the 7:56 mark in the first half, Alabama’s ability to shoot the ball(and make those shots) was Clemson’s downfall. Clemson played their hearts out in the round, shooting 47.8% from the field as opposed to Alabama’s 46.8% from the field, as provided by ESPN. However, poor free throw shooting from the Clemson Tigers(8-16 from the line), along with an inability to rebound the ball(Alabama having 44 rebounds as opposed to Clemson’s 33 boards) revealed too many inconsistencies in Brad Brownell’s squad, ultimately ending what many agree was a shocking and unanticipated Tournament run.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
After losing in the quarterfinal round of the SEC Tournament to the Florida Gators, Alabama has put together a Final Four appearance that is indicative of the chaotic nature of basketball. Over their last four Tournament games, the Crimson Tide have made an average of 12 threes per game, shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc. The structure of the team is reminiscent of Auburn’s immaculate 2018-2019 squad, as that streaky Tigers team shot 40.5% from three while making 12.3 threes per game(as provided by Pro Basketball Reference) heading into their Final Four matchup against Virginia.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Alabama will have a tough matchup against the Connecticut Huskies, the number one overall seed in the Tournament. Connecticut has continued their regular season dominance into the postseason seamlessly, and Nate Oats’s squad will be tested by what is currently the nation’s number four defense, according to Kenpom.
