North Carolina and Alabama are presupposed to be two of the higher groups within the nation this yr in males’s faculty basketball. Four time beyond regulation video games are presupposed to be thrilling. Neither of these issues felt like they have been true on Sunday evening when the Tar Heels and the Crimson Tide performed an error-filled 4 OT sport on the Phil Knight Invitational, higher often known as the PK 85.
Alabama beat UNC, 103-101, after 4 overtimes to offer the Tide their first win excessive ranked crew within the polls since 2004. It was the second straight loss for North Carolina, who have been additionally defeated by unranked Iowa State on this similar match on Friday. While it wouldn’t actually be a shock to see these two groups matchup within the second and even third weekend of the NCAA match come March, the extent of play in clutch conditions was missing from each side earlier than Alabama mercifully took house the win.
Alabama took the lead within the ultimate minute of time beyond regulation No. 4 on a phenomenal Spain pick-and-roll that led to level guard Jahvon Quinerly hitting large man Charles Bediako for a layup. A bizarre sport acquired even weirder after that. UNC appeared to take the lead on this floater by Caleb Love, however the refs reviewed their goaltending name and stated it was a clear block. Alabama acquired the ball again as a result of the possession arrow was going their approach.
Alabama then proceeded to activate the ball over on the following inbounds cross:
UNC acquired the ball again down one with 8.3 seconds left, however the Tar Heels determined to show it over themselves on the inbounds cross.
UNC fouled, Bama cut up its free throws, and the Tar Heels missed one final heave to win the sport.
The finish of the third time beyond regulation wasn’t any prettier. In a tie sport with three seconds left, Alabama turned it over on the inbounds cross.
UNC was truly capable of inbound the ball efficiently — a real accomplishment on this sport — however their ultimate possession of the third time beyond regulation wasn’t a lot prettier.
Double time beyond regulation additionally ended on a poor offensive possession, when Quinerly was stuffed by Pete Nance on the potential game-winning layup try.
People watching weren’t impressed.
The late-game execution on this sport has been, um, not superb. ..: on each side.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 27, 2022
It’s necessary to do not forget that even the highest groups in faculty hoops are nonetheless a piece in progress in November. UNC went to the nationwide title sport final yr and was preseason No. 1 in each ballot. Nate Oats has constructed a pleasant program at Alabama, and has a crew that must be an element all season within the SEC. The late sport execution can be significantly better for each of those groups just a few months from now.
Alabama is thrilled with the win even with none fashion factors. Carolina looks like they’ve work to do after consecutive losses. Hubert Davis agrees.
Hubert Davis: “Late clock execution. Something that has to improve and get better.”
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 28, 2022
There can be a brand new No. 1 within the polls subsequent week. The degree of play will solely go up from right here.