Sears, Nelson Lead Comeback Over UGA

It was a comeback of Lazarusian proportions.

It was a tale of two halves.

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It was a show of pluck and grit.

It was Alabama 85, Georgia 76 in Athens, even though UGA jumped out to a 17-2 early lead and Bama missed its first ten three-pointers.

Mark Sears scored 23 points and Grant Nelson rediscovered his three-point stroke to add 20 as the Tide stole one at Stegeman Coliseum after trailing by 16 in the first half.

"We showed a lot or resiliency," said Sears. "All of us were stepping up and taking accountability."

"We showed a lot more fight coming out in the second half," added Nelson.

Head Coach Nate Oats talked about the comeback and more in his postgame press conference, including the absence of post man Nick Pringle.

"It's a big win. I can't say enough about our guys in the second half," Oats said. "They showed some fight and they showed what they're about.

"It's huge. You can't win a league tile without winning some of these on the road. You can't lose games like this.

"Sears competed. He won the Hard Hat. He did NOT want us to lose this game.

"Basketball's a game or runs. We've got to not get flustered."

Regarding Pringle not making the trip, Oats said, "He's currently suspended. He's got to decide if he wants to be a part of this team.

"Not regarding off court stuff. It's practice and things like that. I will meet with him when we get back."

Next up for No. 24 Alabama is a Saturday home game with Mississippi State at Coleman Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. CT.