Nate Oats called out Charles Barkley in the post-game interview Thursday night just moments after his Alabama Crimson Tide defeated North Carolina 89-87.
Even when Grant Nelson failed in the second half he succeeded.
With the Tide leading 89-87 and stepping to the line for a one-in-one with .9 seconds left, Nelson missed the front end, then blocked a UNC desperation heave.
“It was great.,” Oats said about the Tide response to his halftime message of rebounding and effort. “Grant stepped up. We were able to guard (UNC’s Armando) Bacot better one on one.
“Charles Barkley called us frail. I don’t think (Grant) was frail tonight. He showed up tonight. … They stepped up big in the second half.”
Nelson finished with 24 points, including five straight free throws before the final second of the game, and 12 rebounds.
“All glory to God, first of all, but just this team coming together and battling adversity all season,” Nelson said right after the game. It’s a great time to come together and start playing some defense.”
Oats was asked if he would consider growing a Nelson-like mustache moving forward after the 6-foot-11 guard’s performance on Thursday.
“No, definitely not,” he laughed, “but there will be a lot in Tuscaloosa, but not from me.”
Earlier in the day, Barkley didn’t think Alabama could handle the UNC front court. North Carolina is the ACC leader with 40.9 rebounds per game led by Bacot averaging 10.2. Bacot and Harrison Ingram present a formidable front-court challenge.
“It’s going to come down to that,” Barkley said. “They are a very frail team. They can’t handle North Carolina in the post. That’s a huge advantage for North Carolina, but Alabama is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country.”
Despite the comment, Barkley predicted Alabama to win, saying the Tide would have to hit 15 three-pointers to win. Oats’ team finished with 11.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.