North Carolina and Alabama are alleged to be two of the higher groups within the nation this yr in males’s school basketball. 4 extra time video games are alleged to be thrilling. Neither of these issues felt like they have been true on Sunday night time when the Tar Heels and the Crimson Tide performed an error-filled 4 OT sport 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 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 event 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 event come March, the extent of play in clutch conditions was missing from either side earlier than Alabama mercifully took dwelling the win.

Alabama took the lead within the ultimate minute of extra time No. 4 on a gorgeous Spain pick-and-roll that led to level guard Jahvon Quinerly hitting huge man Charles Bediako for a layup. A bizarre sport 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 mentioned 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 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 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.

Individuals watching weren’t impressed.

It’s essential to keep in mind that even the highest groups in school 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 a couple of months from now.

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

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