Alabama Escapes in 78-76 Overtime Win Over South Carolina

After a highly competitive game last night, Alabama escaped an upset, defeating South Carolina 78-76. In overtime, Freshman Brandon Miller brought home a win for the Tide after scoring a game-winning shot.

Alabama wins it in overtime.#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/vxTiMACcao

— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) February 23, 2023

First Half

South Carolina (10-18, 3-12 SEC) had probably their best run of the season last night. During the first half, South Carolina forward Gregory “GG” Jackson heated up the court. Both teams were fighting hard, but South Carolina maintained a lead throughout the first half.

seven quick pts for GG to lead all scorers @_ggjackson 🌴⭐️

📺 » ESPN2
💻 » https://t.co/hwQVGyQiyR
📊 » https://t.co/VF17k1vmge#Gamecocks // #ForeverToThee pic.twitter.com/7qMkZyoCwU

— Gamecock Men's Basketball (@GamecockMBB) February 23, 2023

Before the halftime break, Alabama had eight turnovers, allowing the Gamecocks to maintain the lead. In the second half, Alabama provided double-digit turnovers on the road again.

By the time Alabama were able to gain control, they finished with 12 turnovers all around.

Second Half

In the beginning of the second half, Miller provided a helping hand to the Tide. He went on a 10-0 run, eventually giving Alabama 35 points of their 65. As his teammates Noah Clowney and Mark Sears struggled offensively, Miller was able to carry.

The game was back-and-forth for quite a bit throughout the half. Defensively, Alabama prevailed. The Tide were able to cut down South Carolina’s shooting rate, and as a result maintained the biggest lead of the game thus far.

What started as a strong 55% shooting rate in the first half, then dropped to 35% in the second for South Carolina.

Player Highlights

South Carolina fought offensively as Jackson led the team with 19 points. Junior Meechie Johnson and Sophomore Jacobi Wright secured 18 points each.

MEECHIE JOHNSON FROM HALF-COURT 😳 @GamecockMBB pic.twitter.com/56wDsWVbI6

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) February 23, 2023

Despite the Crimson Tide playing without their usual energy, Miller emerged nonetheless. The game took place just one day after court testimony linked Miller to a Birmingham murder case. Miller was cleared to play, and recorded the best run of his college career thus far.

Miller finished the game with a career-high new record of 41 points. In addition, his efforts provided Alabama the win as he hit the game-winning shot during overtime.