"Coach Jim Harbaugh roared in unison with the Candlestick Park crowd Saturday as Alex Smith and Vernon Davis combined on one of the best winning touchdowns in the 49ers' history, if not the NFL's.

"How 'bout that! How 'bout that!" Harbaugh shouted from the sideline.

With that 36-32 win over gunslinger Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, the 49ers (14-3) advanced to the NFC Championship game for the first time since the 1997 season.

If the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers beat the New York Giants on Sunday at Lambeau Field, that is where the 49ers will play next Sunday. If the Giants win, Candlestick Park will host the 49ers' encore.

"I don't want this to end," Smith said. "I don't

think anyone does in this locker room because it's been such a great year."

The 49ers advanced after an amazing, back-and-forth duel that featured four lead changes in the final 4:02.

The Saints, two years removed from their first Super Bowl win, overcame five turnovers and rallied behind Brees' four touchdown passes.

But the final touchdown came from Davis, on what he dubbed, "The Grab."

Only nine seconds remained on the clock after he cut across the middle and snared Smith's 14-yard pass. Davis collided with Saints safety Roman Harper at the goal line while making the biggest catch of his career."