LSU Outlasts Alabama in Epic Triple OT Win

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center had never seen a triple overtime game before Saturday. On Saturday, the LSU men rallied back from a late deficit to force overtime against Alabama. After three OT's, the Tigers proved to be the team that wanted it more, winning 97-94.

The Crimson Tide took a 69-59 lead with 3:37 left to play.  LSU would score 10 unanswered from that point to the end of regulation.  Anthony Hickey stole the ball with 24 seconds left and gave Johnny O'Bryant III a shot to win it in regulation, but O'Bryant missed.

At the end of the first overtime, Bama guard Rodney Cooper apparently won the game with a tip in to give the Tide a 78-76 victory.  But the officials reviewed the shot and the buzzer clearly came before the tip.  76-76 after the first OT.

LSU led in the second OT before Rodney Cooper hit another clutch 3-pointer for Bama, tying the game 88-88 with 16 seconds left.  The second OT would end in a tie.

Both teams clearly were fatigued by the third overtime.  LSU would take the lead for good with 1:21 left to play when Hickey hit another three pointer to put the score at 94-90.  LSU shot free throws well at the end of each period and the final score was 97-94.

Johnny O'Bryant III had 24 points and 10 rebounds in 51 minutes.  Charles Carmouche had 20 points and 11 rebounds and led all players with 54 minutes.

It'll be a tough turnaround for Alabama (18-9, 10-4 SEC) who play Auburn next on Tuesday.  LSU (16-9, 7-7 SEC) is back on the court Wednesday against Arkansas.