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Underdog role vs. grudge match, Clemson and Alabama vie for first Final Four bid

LOS ANGELES - Over 120 days have passed since the Clemson men’s basketball team went to Tuscaloosa and upset the Alabama Crimson Tide, 85-77.

Going into Saturday’s Elite Eight rematch in the West Region (8:49 EDT/TBS), how the teams treat that particular data point could determine whether either program secures a first Final Four bid.

The Tigers (24-11) expect an Alabama team (24-11) ready for a fight.

“They're a totally different team from when we played them,” Clemson forward Ian Schieffelin said. “We kinda out-physicaled them I'd say the last game. We’re kinda ready for them to punch us back in the mouth this game…It's always good to have that success and just knowing that you've already done that against them already.