Tide Rolls in Postponed Game Over Georgia, 75-47
2/4/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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Box Score
By Chris Woodfin
The game was played a day later than originally scheduled, but the No. 14 (AP) University of Alabama men's basketball team wasted little time in putting away the Georgia Bulldogs, jumping out to a quick lead and never trailing in the game in winning 75-47. The victory improved the Crimson Tide to 17-3 on the season, 6-1 in Southeastern Conference play. Georgia fell to 7-10, 1-6 in the SEC.
The game was originally scheduled to be played Saturday night; however Georgia was unable to travel due to icy weather.
Alabama's defense keyed the victory, forcing Georgia into 24 turnovers. The Tide's defense also snared a season high 15 steals. Alabama held Georgia to 31.5 percent (17-54) shooting from the field, the lowest for a UA opponent this season. The Bulldogs also committed 34 personal fouls and had six players foul out of the game.
"I liked our defense from the start," Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried said. "We continue to just guard people really well. I was worried a little bit with it being such a physical game; there was a lot of grabbing and pushing. You just want to make sure your guys remained poised and don't do anything out of their character. But we executed our offense well and we continued to guard really well."
Alabama ended the half on a 24-8 run to take a 19 point lead into the locker-room. The second half began in the same fashion with the Tide opening the half on a 26-6 run that gave UA a 39 point lead at 62-23 with 7:53 remaining in the game. Alabama cruised the rest of the way, playing everyone on its bench.
Kennedy Winston led three Alabama players in double figures. The Pritchard native scored 18 points. Chuck Davis and Earnest Shelton each scored 11 for the Tide. Jermareo Davidson grabbed a game high 10 rebounds, his third straight double figure rebound game.
Younes Idrissi led the Bulldogs with 14 points.
The one day postponement of the game did not deter the crowd, as 12,545 fans watched the game at Coleman Coliseum.
"I want to say to our fans, first of all, thank you," Gottfried said. "I know it was an inconvenience to everybody, being a Sunday night. When I walked out right before the tip I was just thoroughly impressed at our fan commitment. Our players appreciated it and it was just a great night."
Alabama takes the week off before returning to action next Saturday afternoon in Gainesville, Fla. against the Florida Gators. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. C.S.T. The game will be televised by Jefferson-Pilot and can be heard on the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Darron Boatright, Philip Pearson, and Mark Gottfried watch the action.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Evan Brock shoot over two UGA defenders.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Jermareo Davidson jams one home.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Jermareo Davidson puts an accent on finishing a strong move to the basket.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Chuck Davis slams one down with authority.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)
Chuck Davis tries to block a Bulldog's shot.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Jason Reese takes the ball up to the basket.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Ronald Steele dribbles the ball upcourt.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)
Shawn Taylor hammers one home.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Albert Weber moves the ball up the floor.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)
Kennedy Winston finishes off a break with a dunk.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)
Kennedy Winston drives the lane looking for an opening.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
