Alabama beat North Carolina in the sloppiest 4 OT game imaginable

North Carolina and Alabama are purported to be two of the higher groups within the nation this yr in males’s faculty basketball. 4 extra time video games are purported 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 recreation on the Phil Knight Invitational, higher referred to as the PK 85.

Alabama beat UNC, 103-101, after 4 overtimes to offer the Tide their first win excessive ranked workforce 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. Whereas 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 dwelling the win.

Alabama took the lead within the ultimate minute of extra time No. 4 on a fantastic Spain pick-and-roll that led to level guard Jahvon Quinerly hitting large man Charles Bediako for a layup. A bizarre recreation received 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 received the ball again as a result of the possession arrow was going their method.

Alabama then proceeded to activate the ball over on the following inbounds cross:

UNC received 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 break up its free throws, and the Tar Heels missed one final heave to win the sport.

The tip of the third extra time wasn’t any prettier. In a tie recreation with three seconds left, Alabama turned it over on the inbounds cross.

UNC was truly in a position to inbound the ball efficiently — a real accomplishment on this recreation — however their ultimate possession of the third extra time wasn’t a lot prettier.

Double extra time additionally ended on a poor offensive possession, when Quinerly was stuffed by Pete Nance on the potential game-winning layup try.

Folks watching weren’t impressed.

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 recreation final yr and was preseason No. 1 in each ballot. Nate Oats has constructed a pleasant program at Alabama, and has a workforce that ought to be an element all season within the SEC. The late recreation execution will likely be significantly better for each of those groups a couple of months from now.

Alabama is thrilled with the win even with none fashion factors. Carolina seems like they’ve work to do after consecutive losses. Hubert Davis agrees.

There will likely be a brand new No. 1 within the polls subsequent week. The extent of play will solely go up from right here.