Two-seeded Alabama and 11-seeded UCLA met in a Sweet 16 matchup on Sunday evening. Alabama comes into the game after beating 10-seeded Maryland 96-77 in the round of 32. UCLA beat 14-seeded Abilene Christian 67-47 in the round of 32.
Alabama had a great season, posting a 26-6 record and claiming the SEC Championship. They are led by the SEC Player of the Year Herbert Jones. Jones averaged 11.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
UCLA won 20 games and lost just 9 this season. Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang leads them; Juzang averaged 15.1 points and 4.1 assists per game this season.
First Half
Alabama came out of the gates hot, going on an early 16-2, giving them a 17-9 lead early on in the first half. The theme of the first half for both teams was great shooting. UCLA shot 45.5% from the field, Alabama wouldn’t be outdone shooting 44% from the field in the first half. UCLA was able to make 7 of 15 attempts from deep, while Alabama only made 3 of their 10 attempts from deep.
UCLA didn’t let Alabama’s hot start get in their head. They would go on their own big run at the end of the first half, an 18-4 run. The big run at the end of the half gave UCLA a 40-29 lead. Alabama struggled with free throws initially, making just 4 of 10; they also turned the ball over 8 times.
UCLA guard Jules Bernard stepped up big time in the first half scoring a team-high 13 points. Juzang also had a big first-half, scoring 11 points for UCLA.
Jahvon Quinerly led the way for Alabama in the first half. Quinerly scored 10 points off the bench in the first half. Keon Ellis scored 6 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in the first half.
Second Half
Alabama found themselves down 11 at the half. They immediately answered, coming out of halftime, going on a quick 11-0 run to tie the game. From there, the game was tight to the very end, with both teams trading the lead as the game drew closer to the end. UCLA star Juzang fouled out of the game with 2:27 to go with the game tied 60-60.
The last 15 seconds were when things got wild. UCLA’s Cody Riley made a layup with just 14 seconds left to give UCLA a 63-62. Alabama’s star Herbert Jones got fouled with just 6 seconds to go with a chance to tie or take the lead. He would miss both. UCLA’s David Singelton would make two free throws to give UCLA a 65-62 lead with just 4 seconds to go. After an Alabama timeout, Alex Reese shot and made a three from just past the mid-court logo to tie the game and force overtime.
Overtime
UCLA probably thought they had the game won after Singelton’s free throws put them up 3 with under 5 seconds to play. They came out in overtime swinging, going up 5 quick. Jaime Jaquez Jr made a three-point shot with1:38 left in OT to give UCLA a 77-70 lead. After taking a 7-point lead, UCLA was able to take control and coast to the finish line. UCLA would defeat Alabama in overtime by a final score of 88-78.
UCLA was led by Jaquez Jr. and Bernard, who both scored 17 points. Jaquez Jr. Was also able to grab 8 rebounds and dish out 3 assists in the win. Bernard would also put in work on the boards, recording 6 rebounds. Juzang and Tyger Campbell both scored 13 in the victory for UCLA.
Quinerly was the man for Alabama in this game. He scored 20 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists. John Petty Jr. scored 16 points and recorded 5 rebounds. SEC Player of the Year Herbert Jones scored 8 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the loss.
With the win, UCLA will advance to the Elite 8, where they will face 1-seeded Michigan. Michigan advanced to the Elite 8 by defeating 4-seeded Florida State 76-58.
