78-75 Overtime Win Sets Up Showdown at LSU subject logo: COLSPORTS
2006-01-19
Posted by: badanov

The SEC had two overtime games, South Carolina Vanderbilt (66-64) and Arkansas at Alabama.

The Big 10 had the other overtime game, triple overtime, Minnesota Iowa 76-72.

South Carolina wins its first SEC game and on the road tonight.

We got the chance to watch the Alabama game tonight on a Jefferson Pilot broadcast. Like the Auburn game last week, the Tide played a strong 2-3 zone defense against the Hogs in a game that saw multiple lead changes. Arkansas countered with a man to man through the game, which often stymied Alabama forwards Alonzo Gee and Jermareo Davidson.

The Hogs' man to man resulted in 41 percent shooting from the field and 29 percent from the arc for Alabama. The 'Bama zone held Arkansas to 40 percent and 28 percent from the arc.

Despite the effectiveness of the man to man, Davidson came away with 19 points and four rebounds and four blocked shots, with guard Ronald Steele the team lead scorer with 25 points, shooting a red hot 7-8 from the charity stripe and 8-13 from the field.

Hog guard Ronnie Brewer was the team leading scorer with 22 points, shooting a lowly 8-20 from the field, along with center Darien Townes which scored 17 points, 3-11 from the field.

Throughout the game it was pretty clear the Hogs had Alabama's number. Guards play was critical in this game. Several times Alabama was kept behind by the Hogs' shifting man to man, while 'Bama shifted to full and half court pressure defensive setups to kill Arkansas in their transition game. The full court press was very effective as it turned out.

Defensively, Arkansas outplayed Alabama, but Arkansas just could not come up with crucial points when they needed them.

This win tightens things up in the SEC western division and sets up a game for second place in the division. In upcoming games, it doesn't appear Mississippi, now first in the SEC at 13-3, 3-0 in conference play, will fall anytime soon, but if they do and LSU loses, 'Bama could well wind up tied for first with Mississippi.

So 10-6 Alabama 3-1 in conference play, goes to LSU, who are 3-0 in conference play with an overall record of 11-5 for a showdown.

Arkansas, now 1-2 in conference play, goes to Auburn who is 0-3 in conference play to fight to stay out of the SEC western division toilet.

If you have something to add, Fire Away!

Number of Comments so far: 0

Click here for a list of stories in the College Sports category