Tar Heels Make Familiar Trip to Round of 16, Beating Alabama

CINCINNATI —  North Carolina earned its 12th consecutive trip to the NCAA final 16 Saturday by wearing down Alabama with a balanced offense and switching defenses for a 64-55 victory in the Southeast Regional.

Eric Montross muscled inside for 12 points and Hubert Davis scored 16 points to send the 18th-ranked Tar Heels (23-9) to Lexington, Ky.

North Carolina’s streak of final 16 appearances is one shy of UCLA’s record 13 in a row from 1967-79.

No. 13 Alabama (26-9) failed to capitalize on Montross’ foul problems. The 7-foot center sat out the last nine minutes of the first half with three fouls, but the Crimson Tide shot only 29% for the half.

James Robinson scored 20 of his 22 points during the second half to keep Alabama close. He made a jump shot and two three-pointers in a row to cut the lead to 57-52 with 1:39 to play. But the Tar Heels sank four free throws and got a dunk from George Lynch, who finished with 10 points, to pull away.