Alabama Basketball's Historical Run Comes to an End in Phoenix

Alabama's historic run to the Final Four came to an end in Phoenix, but what a run it was. This team has nothing to hang their head about as the final score doesn't indicate how well the Tide played against the buzz saw that is UConn. They played about as perfect a first half against the Huskies hitting several big threes and made played great defensively. I thought the refs did the Tide no favors in the first half and that was a big reason why the Tide despite a great first half found themselves down 4 going into the locker room.

In the second half, UConn showed why they are on the verge of winning back-to-back National Championships. The Huskies had an answer and then some for every Alabama run. They adjusted their defense and they seemed to get every loose ball in the second half. They hit all the big shots down the stretch and held Alabama to several one-and-done possessions in the final 10 minutes of the game. They never let the Tide get any fast break buckets and kept Alabama from playing fast.

From a fan perspective, this isn't even a game I can be mad or sad about. To witness Alabama playing in a Final Four game was so special and on top of that this team was in striking distance for a majority of Saturday night. Of course, there are no moral victories in sports. Sometimes, you just have to enjoy the experience. Alabama fans got to witness a historic run.

The joy Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, and so many others brought us during this tournament will always be remembered. The Tide will not be cutting down nets on Monday night, but it is exciting to know that this ride under Nate Oats is just picking up steam. I am confident it won't be long before we see the Alabama Crimson Tide back in the Final Four. Until then I want to thank this team for this special run and a lifetime of memories.