TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -Senario Hillman scored a career-high 24 points and made seven free throws over the final 43 seconds to lead Alabama to a 65-59 win over LSU on Sunday in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.
Hillman sealed the win by making four foul shots in the final 6 seconds for the Crimson Tide (11-4), and missed only once from the line down the stretch. He scored 18 points over the final 15:23 to keep LSU (12-3) from coming back.
Bo Spencer kept the Tigers alive with a long 3-pointer from the top of the key to make it 60-57 with 29 seconds left. LSU was forced to keep fouling Hillman after that and only managed one Spencer drive.
Alonzo Gee added 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Crimson Tide.
Marcus Thornton led LSU with 21 points. Spencer and Tasmin Mitchell added 10 points apiece.
