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No. 16 Alabama downs Purdue in Puerto Rico

Nov 21, 2011 - 5:42 AM San Juan, PR (Sports Network) - Trevor Releford totaled 20 points, five assists and three rebounds, an all-around effort that helped 16th-ranked Alabama beat Purdue, 65-56, in the championship game of the Puerto Rico Tip- Off.

Tony Mitchell posted 14 points and 10 boards for the Crimson Tide (5-0), who are off to their best start since winning their first seven games in 2006-07.

Robbie Hummel had 17 points point to pace the Boilermakers (4-1), who had averaged 84.8 points in their first four contests.

Alabama jumped out to an 11-0 lead and Purdue didn't scored its first points of the game until Ryne Smith nailed a three-pointer just beyond the five- minute mark.

The Crimson Tide's lead reached 12 before they endured a cold stretch from the floor after a Releford layup made it 17-5 with 12:17 to play. Alabama went scoreless for nearly nine minutes during which Purdue rallied to tie the game. Another Releford layup snapped the drought with 3:32 remaining.

Alabama led 24-23 at halftime and, after falling behind early in the second half, gradually restored its double-digit cushion. JaMychal Green sank two free throws to put the Crimson Tide up 51-40 with 5:24 left.

The outcome was never in doubt down the stretch.

Game Notes

Green finished with 14 points and eight rebounds...Alabama shot 52 percent in the second half and held Purdue to 35 percent shooting for the game...Kelsey Barlow had 11 points and six boards for the Boilermakers, who got eight points and nine rebounds from Lewis Jackson.