Jan. 3, 2009

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama basketball team (10-3) closed out its eight-game home stand in impressive fashion Saturday, coasting to an 88-77 victory over Georgia Tech (8-5) in Coleman Coliseum. The Crimson Tide shot 53 percent from the floor and a blistering 50 percent (9-18) from three-point range.

The Tide led by as many as 30 points in the second half, and the Yellow Jackets never closed within single digits.

"I think for about 25 or 30 minutes we were an awfully good basketball team on both ends of the floor," head coach Mark Gottfried said. "We were a very good basketball team in the first half. We got cautious late, but overall it is still a great win for our team. Like I said, for about 30 minutes of the game we were a pretty good basketball team today so hopefully we can keep improving."

All five Alabama starters scored in double figures for the second consecutive game led by senior Ronald Steele who notched a double-double with a team-leading 23 points and a season-high 10 assists. Steele nailed 5-8 shots from deep and was a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line.

"I felt good," Steele said. "I feel like I'm getting better each game and each practice. My teammates were getting me good looks today. They want me to shoot the ball when I'm open, so guys made an extra effort to try to find me. I think the guys did a good job of finding me early."

Not to be outdone, senior Alonzo Gee posted his second double-double of the season with 15 points and a career-high 18 rebounds. Sophomore Senario Hillman continued his consistent play on both ends of the court, scoring 18 points and collecting a game-high four steals. Hillman set his career high with six steals in the Tide's last outing against Quincy.

"I think a key for our team today was Alonzo Gee on the backboards," Gottfried said. "Georgia Tech is a team that does a great job of rebounding the ball and getting the ball inside. They are really good around the rim. Alonzo did a great job of finishing the defensive possession."

Alabama's starting frontcourt tandem freshman JaMychal Green and sophomore Justin Knox added 12 and 10 points respectively before both fouled out late in the game.

Alabama zipped out to a 44-25 halftime lead, dominating the Yellow Jackets on both ends of the court. The Tide shot 57 percent from the floor and 5-9 from behind the arc while holding Georgia Tech to 29 percent shooting in the first frame.

Trailing 10-6 with 15:38 remaining in the half, Alabama ripped off a 14-0 run sparked by Steele and Hillman who accounted for 12 of the 14 points over that stretch. The Tide was able to build on the lead thanks to a stifling defensive effort that held the Jackets without a field goal for more than 10 straight minutes of action in the first half.

Before the break, Steele had already set his season high with eight assists and Gee had grabbed 10 rebounds tying his season high.

Gani Lawal led Georgia Tech with 23 points, while his frontcourt teammate Alade Aminu added 21 for the Yellow Jackets. The two combined to shoot 17-23 from the field.

Alabama hits the road for the first time in more than a month to face its second straight ACC opponent Clemson on Tuesday, January 6. Tip-off is scheduled 8:00 p.m. CT.