#11 UCLA upsets #2 Alabama in OT to punch ticket to Elite 8

Pete Thamel reports from Indiannapolia after a thrilling back-and-forth matchup that saw underdog UCLA emerge victorious.

Video transcript

PETE THAMEL: Imagine in 1995, Tyus Edney went coast to coast for UCLA, and Missouri still won the game. Well, a quarter century later that scenario basically happened for UCLA against number two Alabama in the Sweet 16 on Sunday.

This is Pete Thamel live in Indianapolis from the best game of the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

UCLA outlasted Alabama in overtime 88-78. And they're the rare NCAA Tournament team to endure a soul-crushing buzzer beater and come back, dominate in overtime, and still win the game.

Alabama's Alex Reese hit a 3-point shot to tie the game at the end of regulation that seemed destined to resonate in the NCAA lore. Reese hadn't scored a basket the entire game. And Alabama had trudged through, missing free throws, missing shots, and not playing well.

But there was hope in five more minutes of precious overtime. Hawkeyes scored 17 points, including some incredible shot-making in overtime. A fadeaway through from the right wing was the biggest shot of the game, after Reese's of course. Tiger Campbell finished with 13 points, five assists, and had a huge dish at the end of regulation which appeared to be the game's biggest pathway.

For UCLA their charmed run keeps going. They're just the second team to starting the First Four and end up in the Elite Eight. They're just the third team in NCAA history to be an 11th seed to defeat a number two seed.

For UCLA this win is special. And for UCLA coach Mick Cronin this one is especially special. UCLA did not foul when they were up 3 with 4.2 seconds left in regulation. That led to Reese's 3. And if UCLA had not figured out how to win the game and Reese's 3-pointer had gone on to be one of the defining shots of this tournament, that would have haunted Mick Cronin for decades.

Instead he did an unbelievable job rallying his team. They came out focused in overtime and really, it was never contest once the extra session began.

Well, now come the Elite Eight on Tuesday. We're going to have a contest. It's number one Michigan versus number 11 UCLA for a spot in the Final Four. Two traditional powers with long histories are going to be waging what should be an excellent game.