NCAA Tournament - San Diego state stifles Alabama to advance to first Elite 8 in program history
Yahoo Sports college basketball writer Krysten Peek takes you through 5-seed San Diego State’s impressive win over top overall seed Alabama in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Video transcript
KRYSTEN PEEK: Down goes the number one overall seed Alabama, as San Diego State defeated the Crimson Tide in a back and forth battle 71-64. It was a 2-point game with 45 seconds left, as Alabama tried to extend possessions down the stretch. But SDSU converted on almost all their free throws.
This game was won on the defensive end with the Aztecs crowding star freshman and SEC player of the year Brandon Miller every time he touched the ball, holding him just to 9 points and only one 3-pointer. Center Nathan Mensah was tremendous at the rim particularly down the stretch, recording five blocks.
SDSU was the underdog going into the game as a five seed, and made a strong statement at the start of the game. And led by 5 at half, holding Alabama to just 23 points in the first 20 minutes. It was the offensive production of Darien Trammell that was the difference maker, with top scorer Matt Bradley having a quiet night with only 6 points.
Trammell finished with a season-high 21 points and added two steals in the win. Less than 3% of brackets had San Diego State heading to the next round. This is the Aztecs' first trip to the Elite Eight in program history, and they are the first team from the Mountain West to ever advance to the regional final.
