Mississippi 68, Alabama 63

Mississippi 68, Alabama 63

Published Feb. 26, 2011 11:42 p.m. ET

Chris Warren scored 25 points, Zach Graham added 17 and Mississippi overcame an 11-point deficit to beat Alabama 68-63 on Saturday.

Ole Miss (18-11, 6-8 Southeastern Conference) won for just the second time in five games, and split the season series with the Crimson Tide. Warren scored 18 of his 25 points in the second half.

The 5-foot-10 senior was spectacular in the final minutes, hitting a layup over three defenders to give the Rebels a 64-58 lead with 1:40 remaining. He made 9 of 11 free throws and added five assists and two steals.

Graham had a double-double, with 10 rebounds to go with his 17 points.

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Alabama has been the best defensive team in the SEC all season, giving up just 57.9 points per game. The Rebels struggled to score against the Tide, but got the win despite shooting just 39.6 percent (19 of 48) from the field.

Alabama (19-9, 11-3) had a four-game winning streak snapped. The Crimson Tide have already clinched the SEC's Western Division championship, but hurt their NCAA Tournament at-large hopes with the loss.

JaMychal Green scored 17 points to lead the Tide. Chris Hines scored 15 and Tony Mitchell added 13.

Ole Miss led 35-30 at halftime, but Alabama started the second half on a 21-5 run to take a 51-40 lead with 13:34 remaining.

The Rebels fought back, taking a 59-58 lead on two Warren free throws with 3:36 remaining. They never trailed again, fighting off the Tide even after leading shot blocker Reggie Buckner fouled out with more than four minutes remaining.

Alabama coach Anthony Grant was called for a technical foul with 2:42 remaining after the Crimson Tide were called for a foul. The Rebels made three of the ensuing four free throws to stretch their lead to 62-58.

Alabama had a chance to tie the game, trailing 66-63 with 29 seconds remaining. But Trevor Releford turned the ball over and Graham hit two free throws at the other end to seal the victory.

Ole Miss outshot Alabama at the free-throw line 34-16. The Rebels also outrebounded the Tide 35-32.

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