Alabama’s historic NCAA tournament run ended sooner than anyone wanted it to, but that didn’t stop fans from greeting head coach Nate Oats and the players at Tuscaloosa National Airport on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Bama made the Final Four for the first time in program history but lost 86-72 to the top-seeded UConn Huskies in Phoenix on Saturday. It was enough for the Tide faithful to drive out to the airport to ensure they felt welcomed home after a job well done.

Oats grinned as he was first to step off of the jet bringing the team back to T-town. He gave the crowd a wave as players next de-boarded the landed plane and walked over to fans behind the chain-link fans for high-fives, selfies and autographs.

Mark Sears, Nick Pringle and others made time for those who drove to support them. “We’re proud of you!” several fans echoed to players who expressed their gratitude.

See photos above and below.

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