Top-seeded UConn wasn't going to let Terrence Shannon Jr. spoil its chances of becoming the first team in 17 years to win back-to-back national championships.

All-American Mark Sears shook off a slow start to shoot 7-of-14 from 3-point distance and score 23 points, and No. 4 seed Alabama topped sixth-seeded Clemson 89-82 on Saturday in the NCAA Tournament West Region final to earn its first trip to the Final Four.