Alabama
Athletes In Action
Alabama Hangs on to Defeat Athletes In Action, 72-71
11/8/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Chris Woodfin
The University of Alabama basketball team was able to withstand a last second frenzy under the basket and senior Kenny Walker blocked a Wayne Walker shot from point blank range to claim a 72-71 victory over Athletes In Action. The game marked the end of preseason competition for the Crimson Tide.
Sophomore guard Mo Williams led the way for the Tide for the second straight game, scoring a game high 31 points. Williams, who nailed six three-pointers in the game, also led all players with six assists.
"I am just trying to do what it takes to win," Williams said. "These guys have done a great job of getting me open."
Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried said Williams performance was critical.
"Mo (Williams) kept us in the game," Gottfried said. "They (AIA) made us play."
Also leading the way for Alabama was senior Erwin Dudley. The preseason choice for SEC player of the year scored 14 points and grabbed a game high eight rebounds in 37 minutes of action.
Guard Saddi Washington paced AIA in scoring with 24 points. The former Western Michigan standout also dished out a team high five assists for the game.
Casey Shaw and Ryan Sears also contributed 11 points apiece for AIA while former Samford player Reed Rawlings scored nine.
Alabama will open its regular season next Thursday night as the Tide travels to New York City to take on the Oklahoma Sooners in the AT&T Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.
