March Madness 2024 West Region Elite Eight Results
Following UConn’s victory over Illinois in another dominating fashion to send the Huskies to the Final Four once again, it was time for the West region to crown its champion. The fourth-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide, thanks to Mark Sears, earned that opportunity for the first time ever with a win over the sixth-seeded Clemson Tigers by a score of 89-82 in an instant classic. The Tigers took early control, going up 26-13 midway through the first half. The Tide clawed back fast, however, going on a 22-6 run to the end half up by seven points and regaining all of the momentum.
Alabama senior guard Mark Sears has officially entered the conversation as the best point guard in the country after willing the Tide with another heroic performance. Sears had 23 points, with 18 of those coming in the second half where he was an unconscious 6-7 from the three-point line. Despite going just 2-11 from the field in the first half, the confidence of Mark Sears never wavered, and he stepped up to deliver. Bama senior guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. said after the game, “We call him Mark Madness right now”, and guard Rylan Griffen was quoted as saying “I’m never gonna think Mark Sears is gonna be off a whole entire game” (USA Today). Forward Nick Pringle put up a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. In his first three games played in this tournament, Pringle totaled just 13 points. Off the bench, freshman Jarin Stevenson was an instant spark, finishing with 19 points on 7-11 shooting.
While it wasn’t in question, the Tide’s Mark Sears was named the Most Outstanding Player of the West region. Up next for Alabama will certainly be their toughest task in the defending National Champion UConn Huskies. The matchup between Sears and Huskies’ guard Tristen Newton will be fascinating to watch unfold, as Newton is a much bigger, more physical guard. The Tide will hope that they can continue this magical run with different guys stepping up each game. This game could be guard Aaron Estrada’s, as he is due for an offensive eruption.
