Nate Oats calls out Charles Barkley after Sweet 16 win vs. North Carolina

For just the second time in Alabama‘s history, they are going to the Elite Eight. Grant Nelson took over in the second half against North Carolina, getting the job done on both ends of the court. He was not only a scorer but held his own against Armando Bacot, who was expected to have a huge game heading into the contest.

The narrative heading in was that North Carolina would be able to have success inside, especially if Bacot was one-on-one with a defender. At one point, Auburn alumn Charles Barkley called Alabama “frail” and did not believe they could defend near the rim.

Well, Nate Oats heard what Barkley said and decided to call him out on it.

“Grant stepped up,” Oats said during a postgame interview with CBS’ Allie LaForce. “We were able to guard Bacot a little better one-on-one. Charles Barkley called us frail. I don’t think [Nelson] was frail tonight. He showed up tonight. But they stepped up big in the second half.”

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Nelson finished with a double-double, scoring 24 points while hauling in 12 rebounds. He had not been too much of a volume scorer for Alabama but down the stretch, Nelson was in control — whether it was a big shot on the outside or posting a North Carolina defender up.

Where Nelson really came in clutch was on the free throw line. He made 10 of 13 from the line but ironically, missed the final two that would have sealed the game. Instead, Nelson block what would have been a full-court heave.

Just another stat to add to the books.

“Just this team coming together, battling adversity all season,” Nelson said on advancing to the Elite Eight. “It’s a great time to start coming together, playing some defense.”

Now playing on Saturday night, a familiar foe is set for the Elite Eight matchup. Not only have Alabama football fans gone through some battles with Clemson but the two basketball teams met on the hardwood this season. Brad Brownell‘s team went into Tuscaloosa and got a win, a huge victory for the program in the nonconference.

But the Elite Eight in Los Angeles will mean a whole lot more. Winner will stay out West and play in the Final Four.

If Alabama can remain from being “frail”, you have to believe Oats will like his team’s chances.