Charles Barkley, despite all the jokes at Alabama’s expense, made it a point Saturday night moments after the Crimson Tide fell to No. 1 UConn 86-72 in the Final Four to commend Nate Oats and his team.

“This was a great basketball game,” Barkley said. “I want to say this. Obviously, I have great hatred toward Alabama, but let me tell you something. Those kids – Nate Oats and his kids, man – they made – I’m going to say it right, Ernie – the University of Alabama proud.”

Barkley has made it a point to jab at Alabama by calling the school “Alabama University.”

UConn (36-3) kept its bid to repeat as national champion intact by surviving its first true test of the NCAA Tournament, getting 21 points from freshman Stephon Castle while clamping down defensively in the second half the win over Alabama.

RELATED: What they’re saying Alabama’s loss to UConn

UConn withstood an early wave of 3-pointers before holding the Crimson Tide (25-12) without a field goal during a five-minute second-half stretch.

“It was awesome to have a great season,” Barkley said. “Obviously, we are going to celebrate UConn. As an Auburn guy – this is painful – I got to take my hat off to Nate Oats and his entire coaching staff and his team. They were awesome.”

Alabama held its own in the program’s first Final Four appearance, going toe to toe with a team that trailed 28 total seconds in its first four NCAA Tournament games.

Mark Sears did his best to keep Alabama in it, scoring 24 points. Grant Nelson had another big game in March Madness, finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds and one highlight-reel dunk over Donovan Clingan.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.