Top-seeded UConn is headed to the national championship game against Purdue, but it didn’t come without its first true test of the NCAA Tournament in an 86-72 win over Alabama on Saturday night in the Final Four.

Freshman Stephon Castle scored 21 points, while the Huskies (36-3) clamped down defensively in the second half.

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.

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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.

Alabama thrived from 3 all season, taking down Clemson in the Elite Eight by making 16 shots from deep. The Tide kept it rolling against UConn, making 8 of 11 in the first half while Sears repeatedly got to the rim.

Here’s what they are saying about the Tide’s loss:

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.