Grant Nelson, a 2020 Devils Lake HS grad, leads Alabama to Sweet 16 men's basketball win over North Carolina

By Tom Mix
NDHSAA Media Specialist

DEVILS LAKE – After a relatively quiet two games in the opening rounds of the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s basketball National Tournament, 2020 Devils Lake graduate Grant Nelson made plenty of noise in Alabama’s Sweet 16 game against North Carolina on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Nelson led the No. 4-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide to a 89-87 win over No. 1 seed North Carolina in the Semifinals of the West Regional. Nelson finished the game with 24 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks to help the Crimson Tide to the team’s second ever trip to the Elite Eight in program history.

Nelson converted a go-ahead 3-point play with 38 seconds and blocked North Carolina’s RJ Davis’ attempt at a tying layup on the Tar Heels’ ensuing possession. The Tar Heels retained possession after the block went out of bounds, but North Carolina would be called for a shot-clock violation with 8 seconds left thanks in large part to Nelson’s defense played in the final minute. Nelson scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half and was 6-for-9 from the field and 10 of 13 from the free-throw line. Nelson also was 2-for-2 from 3-point range in the victory.

Alabama plays No. 6-seed Clemson at 7:49 p.m. CDT on Saturday, March 30 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in the West Regional Championship for a berth in the Final Four on the line. Clemson defeated No. 2-seeded Arizona 77-72 in the first semifinal on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena.

Nelson scored a combined six points in Alabama’s first two games of the national tournament.

Nelson transferred to Alabama last summer after playing three seasons at North Dakota State University. Nelson has started in all 35 games for the Crimson Tide this season and is averaging 11.8 points per game. Nelson was named to the 2023-24 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Men’s Player of the Year Watch List at the beginning of the season.

Nelson was a two-time North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association (NDAPSSA) Class A Boys Basketball All-State Team selection – First Team as a senior and Second Team as a junior. Nelson also won NDAPSSA Mr. Basketball honors in 2020.

Nelson finished his prep boys basketball career with 1,058 points.  

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