No. 4 Alabama Avoids No. 12 Grand Canyon's Upset Bid, March Madness Fans Eye UNC Game

For the first time in three decades, Alabama is Sweet 16 bound in consecutive seasons.

It was a tight battle with 12-seed Grand Canyon, but the fourth-seeded Crimson Tide were able to lock it down at the end and emerge with a 72-61 win.

It wasn't easy, as the Antelopes took a lead in the later stages of the second half and remained close until the final minutes. A 17-3 run from the Crimson Tide at the end really put the game away.

Mark Sears led the Crimson Tide with 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Rylan Griffen had 13 points and the Alabama bench combined for 20 points.

Fans took to social media to express relief at the result and wish Alabama the best going forward.

Others immediately turned their attention towards Alabama's next opponent, No. 1 seed North Carolina.

The Crimson Tide and Tar Heels have faced each other twice in program history. Each has taken a victory, with the most recent being a 103-101 victory for Alabama in four overtimes during the 2022-23 season.