How many Elite Eights does Alabama basketball have? Nate Oats leads second ever for Crimson Tide

Alabama basketball made history in its Sweet 16 matchup vs North Carolina on Thursday.

The Crimson Tide saw not only a new single-season record-holder for most points scored in a season with Mark Sears, but also achieved something only one other team in program history has: Reach the Elite Eight.

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Nate Oats' 2023-24 team held Hubert Davis' 1 seed North Carolina team to just 33 second-half points while Sears (18 points), Rylan Griffen and Aaron Estrada (19 points apiece) helped pace the Crimson Tide in an 89-87 victory. But it was Grant Nelson's 24 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks that ultimately led Alabama to the regional final.

With that, here's a look at how Alabama has previously fared in the Sweet 16, and how many times it has reached the Elite Eight:

How many times has Alabama made the Elite Eight?

Alabama has only made the Elite Eight only once before: In the 2004 NCAA Tournament. Mark Gottfried's squad entered with a 17-12 record following the regular season and second-round loss in the SEC Tournament before winning its next three games to make the Elite Eight.

There, the Crimson Tide lost to 2 seed UConn, which ultimately went on to win the national championship.

Alabama basketball Sweet 16 record

Alabama entered Thursday's Sweet 16 round with a 1-9 record in the Sweet 16, having only advanced past the regional semifinal once in program history (in 2004). With Thursday's win vs. UNC, the Tide is now 2-9 all time in the Sweet 16. It was Nate Oats' third foray into the second weekend with the Crimson Tide, and his first win.

Here's a look at the Tide's previous results:

• 1976: Indiana 74, Alabama 69

• 1982: (1) North Carolina 74, (4) Alabama 69

• 1985: (3) NC State 61, (7) Alabama 55

• 1986: (1) Kentucky 68, (5) Alabama 63

• 1987: (6) Providence 103, (2) Alabama 82

• 1990: (11) Loyola Marymount 62, (7) Alabama 60

• 1991: (1) Arkansas 93, (4) Alabama 70

• 2004: (8) Alabama 80, (5) Syracuse 71

• 2021: (11) UCLA 88, (2) Alabama 78 (OT)

• 2023: (5) San Diego State 71, (1) Alabama 64

• 2024: (4) Alabama 89, (1) North Carolina 87

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Alabama 2004 Elite Eight run

Here's a look at Alabama's run to the Elite Eight in 2004, which also featured a win over a 1 seed.

• First round: (8) Alabama 65, (9) Southern Illinois 64

• Second round: (8) Alabama 71, (1) Stanford 67

• Sweet 16: (8) Alabama 80, (5) Syracuse 71

• Elite Eight: (2) UConn 87, (8) Alabama 71

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: How many Elite Eights does Alabama basketball have? Crimson Tide record, history