Alabama Rolls Past No. 13 LSU in SEC Home Opener
1/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
TUSCALOOSA??Alonzo Gee sparked No. 14 Alabama on a 19-4 first half run that gave the Crimson Tide a lead they would never relinquish as Alabama defeated No. 13 LSU 71-61 in front of a sellout crowd at Coleman Coliseum Tuesday night. Gee scored 11 of Alabama’s 19 points over a 6:33 span late in the first half to turn a 15-14 deficit into a 33-19 lead for the Tide.
With the win, Alabama improved to 14-2 on the season and 1-1 in Southeastern Conference play, rebounding from a loss to Arkansas in the SEC opener last Saturday.
Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried was particularly pleased with his squad’s effort following the loss to Arkansas.
“I’m really proud of our guys because it’s easy when you eat some humble pie like we did on Saturday to pout and get down,” Gottfried said. “Our guys didn’t do that, they walked right back into practice the next day and they were ready to go.”
The Tide’s coach was also pleased with Alabama’s defensive effort.
“I thought our defense was really good,” Gottfried said. “Collectively, Richard (Hendrix) did a great job. Demetrius Jemison did as well and we got weak side help from everybody. So defense helped us tonight in a great way.”
Alabama shot 46.2 percent in the first half and the game and held the Tigers to 28.6 percent shooting in the opening stanza and just 35.7 percent for the game.
In addition to Gee’s performance, Richard Hendrix scored a team high 18 points for Alabama. Jermareo Davidson picked up his eighth double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Alonzo Gee scored 15 points and Mycale Riley had 12.
LSU was led by All-America Glen Davis who scored a game high 24 points and grabbed a games best 17 rebounds. Tasman Mitchell added 19 points for the Tigers who fell to 11-4 on the season and 0-1 in SEC play.
Alabama returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn.
