Jan 20, 2007, 21:45 GMT
Tuscaloosa, AL - Alonzo Gee scored 21 points for the Crimson Tide, but Ronald Steele was the hero, as his leaning jumper fell through as the buzzer sounded to give 10th-ranked Alabama a 78-76 comeback victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.
Alabama (15-3, 2-2 SEC) trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half, and by 11 points late in the second half, but closed the game with a 16-3 run to take the win.
Jermareo Davidson scored 16 points for Alabama, which had lost two of three entering the game, and was coming off an ugly 94-73 loss at Vanderbilt on Wednesday. Mykal Riley scored 17 points, and Steele finished with 13 points for the Crimson Tide.
Sundiata Gaines led Georgia (11-6, 3-2) with 22 points, six assists, and six rebounds. Takais Brown scored 21 points and grabbed 10 boards for the Bulldogs, and Mike Mercer scored 15 in the loss. Levi Stukes added 12 points for the Georgia, which had a three-game winning streak snapped with the loss.
Steele held the ball on the final possession, draining the clock down under 10 seconds before moving to his left, where he appeared to be tied up by three Georgia defenders. Steele stopped, pivoted in a circle, and appeared to walk before letting go of the leaner that went in. No travel call was made, though, giving Alabama the win.
Steele's game-winner came after he drilled a three-pointer from well behind the line at the top of the key, tying the game at 76-76 with 54.1 seconds left.
The Bulldogs opened the game red-hot, scoring the game's first 15 points, and leading 18-2 after a Gaines three-pointer nearly four minutes into the first half.
The Crimson Tide answered, though, rolling off a 10-2 run, with two Steele free throws bringing Alabama to within 20-12. The Georgia lead bulged on the strength of an 11-1 run later in the first half. Stukes capped the stretch with a three-point play, and the free throw put the Bulldogs ahead 41-22 with about 5 1/2 minutes remaining.
Georgia led 50-35 at the intermission.
Game Notes
Alabama has won 17 straight at home, a streak that has spanned more than a year. The last home loss for the Crimson Tide came on January 7 of last year, to Mississippi.Gaines hit 5-of-6 from behind the arc.
Alabama has won 17 straight at home, a streak that has spanned more than a year. The last home loss for the Crimson Tide came on January 7 of last year, to Mississippi.
Gaines hit 5-of-6 from behind the arc.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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