Alabama
5-4
USC Upstate
7-6
Alabama Men’s Basketball Rolls Past USC Upstate, 78-61
12/15/2016 10:03:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Sophomore Donta Hall recorded a career-high in points for the second consecutive game
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Sophomore forward Donta Hall scored a career-high 15 points to lead the Alabama men's basketball team to a 78-61 victory over USC Upstate on Thursdaynight. Hall, who set a new career high for the second consecutive game, connected on 6-of-7 shots from the floor and pulled down eight boards in the winning effort.
Hall was one of three Crimson Tide players to reach double figures as senior Corban Collins and freshman Braxton Key accounted for 10 points apiece. Key added season-highs of nine rebounds and five assists, while senior Bola Olaniyan set a season-best with 10 rebounds to lead all players.
Alabama (5-4) used a 12-0 run over a span of 3:07 to take an early 14-5 lead with 12:56left in the first half. The Spartans (7-6) responded by outscoring the Tide 14-6 over the next 4:39 to cut Alabama's lead to 20-19. However, the Alabama defense clamped down and allowed USC Upstate to make just two of its last 17 field goal attempts in the half. As a result, Alabama was able to go on a 14-3 run to extend its lead to 34-22 with 2:44 to play. At the break, Alabama led 39-26 and had outscored the Spartans 28-4 in the paint.
The Tide had an 11-0 lead in points off turnovers in the opening frame, while Alabama's bench added 13 points while Upstate reserves went scoreless. Furthermore, the Tide shot 59 percent from the field, while holding the opponent to just 27 percent shooting.
Alabama's hot shooting continued in the second half as the Tide extended its lead to 20 points, 55-35, with 13:23 left to play in the game. The Spartans chipped away at the Tide lead, but never got closer than 15 points again. Alabama won the rebounding battle 44-33 and finished the game shooting 53 percent.
Alabama's reserves contributed 32 points compared to just 21 points from the Spartans bench, which marked the seventh time in nine games the Tide has outscored its counterparts.
Malik Moore led Upstate with 14 points, and Mike Cunningham added 13. Michael Buchanan grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
Alabama will face Clemson in the BBVA Compass Vulcan Classic on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. CT with the contest airing on ESPNU. Tickets are on sale at RollTide.com or on Ticketmaster.com.
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