LSU took the lead at the 7:27 mark during a 17-3 run to end the first half, and Alabama could never get closer than six for the remainder of the game as the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 68-56 in the second round of the 2014 SEC Men’s Basketball tournament.

The Tigers used ball movement to stretch Alabama’s zone defense in route to a season-high 11 made three-pointers. In fact the Tigers shot 50% from long range tonight. Their big night from behind the arc was powered by a couple of unlikely suspects, as role players Shavon Coleman and Tim Quarterman combined for seven of the 11 three-pointers. Coleman was the game’s leading scorer with 15 points, and Quarterman finished with 12 points. LSU Coach Johnny Jones commented post game about this saying his team “did an excellent job of making the extra passes, getting good looks and knocking big shots down.”

After only making one trip to the free throw line in the first half, Alabama came out with an emphasis on getting to the charity stripe in the second half, and they did just that. The Tide had 24 free throw attempts in the second half compared to the two that they had in the first half. Alabama could not capitalize on that though as they shot only 53.8% from the free throw line (14-26).

Trevor Releford will end his collegiate career as one of the great players in Alabama history. Photo: John Brazemore, AP

Trevor Releford will end his collegiate career as one of the great players in Alabama history. Photo: John Bazemore, AP

For Trevor Releford he finished the evening with 11 points in his final game with the Tide, as he struggled to find his shot for the majority of the night. After hitting a three-pointer at the beginning of the game to give Alabama a 5-0 lead, he only made one field goal the remainder of the night going 2-11 from the field.

During tonight’s game Releford passed Buck Johnson to move into fourth on Alabama’s all-time scoring list. He finishes his career with 1,873 points. Post-game he talked a little bit about his career at The University of Alabama, “It was a great four years. I enjoyed playing with these guys and learning from our coaches every day, I’m going to miss it.”

There has been no indication given about the status of Anthony Grant's job. Grant is 99-71 in his 5 seasons as head coach at Alabama. Photo: John Bazemore, AP

There has been no indication given about the status of Anthony Grant’s job. Grant is 99-71 in his 5 seasons as head coach at Alabama. Photo: John Bazemore, AP

The Crimson Tide finish the season with a 13-19 record, the team’s first losing season in over a decade. Throughout much of the conference season there has been speculation about Coach Anthony Grant’s job status, and what Alabama Athletic Director Bill Battle will do. An early exit in the SEC Tournament may not have helped matters either. After the game Coach Grant commented on the subject, “I haven’t talk to him (Bill Battle) in regards to anything. I believe in what we do here, and I believe in the way we do it. I’m looking forward to the challenge of getting our program to the point where we can compete for championships.”

For LSU they improve to 19-12 on the season, and will face the 2nd seeded Kentucky Wildcats tomorrow night at 7 pm ET/ 6 pm CT. The Tigers and Wildcats have split the two games they have played in this season.