Tide Edges Southern Mississippi 79-77
11/23/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By: Tyler Roberts
UA Media Relations
TUSCALOOSA- The University of Alabama basketball team played its second contest of the week that came down to the final seconds, but this time the Tide came out on top, edging Southern Mississippi 79-77 at Coleman Coliseum Friday night.
With the game tied at 77 and time winding down, Alonzo Gee got fouled as the final horn sounded. After a brief conference by the officials, 0.5 seconds were put back on the clock and Gee was sent to the foul line.
Gee knocked down both free throws and after a last second, desperation shot by Southern Mississippi fell short, the Tide escaped with the win. Gee led the Tide with 25 points and finished a perfect 11-11 from the free throw stripe.
“I had made all of my free throws before that, so I felt good about taking them,” Gee said. “I was able to be aggressive and make some plays. They have a great team. We’re glad to get the win.”
Alabama led by as many as 14 points in the second half before the Golden Eagles made a run behind All-Conference USA player Jeremy Wise. Wise finished with a career high 33 points including 5 three-pointers.
The Tide led the entire second half until Craig Craft made one of two free throws with 19 seconds left to tie the game at 77.
“We’re obviously excited about the win,” head Coach Mark Gottfried said after the game. “(Southern Mississippi) has a very good basketball team and they have an opportunity to win a lot of games this year. We have to work on some things like taking good shots and getting defensive stops, but our guys are happy to get out of here with the win.”
Tide junior forward Richard Hendrix added another double-double to his impressive start to the season, finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Mykal Riley put up another double figure scoring effort, pitching in 15 points for the Tide.
The Tide finished 27-37 from the free throw line and shot 45 percent from the field. Alabama also forced 15 turnovers leading to 21 points.
“I thought we did a pretty good job at the foul line tonight, but I think we can get better,” Gottfried said. “Obviously, Alonzo Gee did an outstanding job for us at the line tonight.”
Alabama led 38-31 at the half. They slowly extended the lead in the early part of the second half before Southern Mississippi got back into it.
Fifty-five of Southern Mississippi’s 77 points came from two players, led by Wise with R.L. Horton adding 22.
The Tide will face a big road test on Wednesday, November 28, as they travel to Texas A&M to battle the 15th ranked Aggies. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT.
