Cats can’t keep pace with Lewis, Tide late
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kira Lewis Jr. and Alabama made sure this one didn’t slip away.
The freshman made a 3-pointer and two free throws over the final 13 seconds and the Crimson Tide held on for a 76-73 victory over Arizona on Sunday.
Lewis pulled up for the uncontested shot after the Tide (6-3), which had lost a big lead for the second straight game, worked most of the shot clock down. His teammates weren’t surprised that the 5-star recruit made the big shot.
“I always have confidence in Kira shooting the ball, especially when he gets a good look like that,” Alex Reese said. “I feel like it’s going to go in most of the time.”
Added Tevin Mack: “He’s a killer.” Arizona didn’t go away quietly even after that.
Brandon Randolph drained a 3 from the top of the key with seven seconds left to keep the Wildcats (7-3) alive.
After a quick foul, John Petty made the second of two free throws to push the cushion back to three points, at 7471.
Justin Coleman, who started his college career at Alabama, made two free throws with 5 seconds left.
Lewis hit both his foul shots on the other end and an Arizona desperation heave from near midcourt fell well short.
Lewis finished with 20 points and made 4 of 5 3-pointers. Reese scored 15 points off the bench. Donta Hall added 13 points and nine rebounds and Mack scored 12.
Chase Jeter led Arizona with 19 points and nine rebounds. Rudolph scored 17 and Brandon Williams had 16.
Jeter said Alabama “played harder than us.”