BLOG — TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Ole Miss’ second road trip to Alabama for basketball produced yet another double overtime loss for the Rebels.A little less than a month after falling 69-68 to Auburn in double overtime, the Rebels lost 69-67 to Alabama at Coleman Coliseum Saturday night. The loss was especially stinging for the Rebels since they led Alabama 33-26 at the half after garnering just three fouls compared to the Crimson Tide’s 10.
Ole Miss (14-8 overall, 4-4 in the Southeastern Conference) was outscored 28-21 in the second half by Alabama (15-7, 4-4) and 8-6 in the decisive second overtime period.
The Rebels appeared to be on the verge of winning their second SEC road game in the first overtime. Coming out of a timeout with four seconds left on the clock and on Alabama’s side of the floor, Ole Miss point guard Jarvis Summers drove to the goal and tried to split two Crimson Tide defenders.
Summers lost the ball after it appeared to be deflected slightly, thus ending a chance to win the contest with the game tied at 61. Ole Miss’ last lead of the game came at the 4:36 mark of the second overtime when Demarco Cox hit one of two free throws.
Alabama then took the lead for good on a follow-up dunk from Tony Mitchell. Ole Miss’ last great chance to keep the game close came with 30 seconds left in the game. Ole Miss got the ball across halfcourt after a make from Alabama’s Andrew Steele and called a timeout to discuss a final shot attempt.
Jelan Kendrick ended up taking a shot with 18 seconds, but his attempt missed the backboard altogether and hit out of bounds, giving the ball back to Alabama, which was able to then ice the contest at the free-throw line.
Nick Williams led Ole Miss with 19 points in the loss, while Terrance Henry finished with 14. JaMychal Green led Alabama with 16.
For more on Ole Miss’ setback in Tuscaloosa, see Monday’s Sports section. (February 4, 2012)
