Tide Stays Alive With Win Over Rebels

Alabama Keeps Tournament Hopes Alive With Win

Alabama came into this game knowing they had to win to keep pace in the SEC West race and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, and they responded with intensity and fire. They also made sure their lone senior, Jermareo Davidson, won his last game in Coleman Coliseum on Senior Night. Alabama moved into a tie with Ole Miss with a 69-58 win Wednesday night. Alabama also moves into a tie with Mississippi State for first place, as they lost to Arkansas tonight, and the Tide has a chance to win at least a share of the SEC Western Division with a win in Starkville on Sunday.

The Crimson Tide, who collected their 20th win of the year with the victory, was led by a balanced attack on offensive led by junior Mykal Riley's 13 points, and got 12 points apiece from Davidson, Alonzo Gee, and Richard Hendrix. Mikhail Torrance, filling in for the injured Ronald Steele, chipped in eight points for Alabama.

Ole Miss (18-11, 7-8) was led by Clearance Sander's 18 point performance with Dwayne Curtis adding 12 points for the Rebels from Oxford, MS. Both teams played tenacious defense and caused both teams to struggle offensively as the lead changed hands several times. In the second half, Alabama finally pulled away by creating points off turnovers and hitting clutch three pointers and its foul shots down the stretch.

Alabama travels to Starkville, MS to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Sunday with the SEC Western Division title on the line. The SEC West...mediocrity at its best.