Alabama
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Mississippi State
Tide Overcomes Big Deficit to Defeat Bulldogs, 68-62
1/15/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Chris Woodfin
After getting off to a slow start in the first half, the No. 9 (AP) ranked University of Alabama men's basketball team (12-2, 2-1) overcame a 17 point deficit to defeat No. 14 (AP) Mississippi State (10-4, 0-3) 68-62 in overtime. The victory pushes the Tide to 3-0 this season against ranked opponents and extends Alabama's school record home winning streak to 28 games.
The Bulldogs controlled the first half, outscoring Alabama 20-4 over a 9:24 span to take a 36-19 lead over the Tide with 3:02 remaining in the first half. However the Tide rallied to outscore Mississippi State 6-0 over the last 2:47 of the stanza to trail 24-36 at halftime.
Alabama came out of the locker room and played inspired basketball, going on a 22-10 run over the first ten minutes of the half to tie the game at 46-46. Antoine Pettway's free throw with 8:43 to play in regulation gave the Tide its first lead at 47-46.
Alabama continued its assault, taking a 53-46 lead with 6:56 remaining.
State rallied, however, to take a two point lead with nine seconds to play, but Pettway came up big for the Tide once again. The junior guard drove the baseline for a lay-up with 1.6 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime at 55-55.
From there the Tide took control, scoring the first six points of the extra period and taking as much as a seven point lead before Pettway iced the game with two free throws with 14 seconds left to end the scoring at 68-62.
Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried was elated with the Tide's victory, particularly the play of both Pettway and Mo Williams.
"What a great win for these guys and our program," Gottfried said. Early in the game it just seemed like we couldn't do anything right. They (Mississippi State) jumped out there. They had five points 30 seconds into the game. What great heart passion and toughness even when Mississippi State hit the basket to go up by two there with nine seconds to go. Antoine (Pettway) makes a great play. So does Mo Williams giving the ball to him."
Erwin Dudley led the way for Alabama. The Wooden Award candidate scored 23 points and grabbed a game high eight boards for the Tide.
Mo Williams and Kenny Walker also contributed in the Alabama victory. Williams, who suffered first half foul trouble, scored 11 points and led the Tide with four assists while Walker added ten points.
Mississippi State was led by Derrick Zimmerman. Zimmerman scored 15 points and grabbed a team high seven rebounds. Also contributing for the Bulldogs were Ontario Harper and Timmy Bowers who scored 12 and 10 points respectively.
Alabama continues SEC competition this Saturday when the Tide travels to Auburn. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m. The game will be televised by Jefferson Pilot and can be heard on the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
