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Mitchell leads Alabama past Maryland

Nov 18, 2011 - 4:23 AM San Juan, PR (Sports Network) - Tony Mitchell posted 17 points and 11 rebounds, leading 16th-ranked Alabama to a 62-42 victory over Maryland in opening-round action at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.

Trevor Releford added 10 points for the Crimson Tide (3-0), who limited the Terrapins (1-1) to 27 percent shooting. Alabama has allowed an average of just 48 points per game this season.

"I'm proud of our guys tonight," said Alabama head coach Anthony Grant. "We came out with great defense. I think the numbers show that."

The Crimson Tide will face Wichita State on Friday.

James Padgett had nine points to lead Maryland, which plays Colorado on Friday. Ashton Pankey grabbed 10 rebounds.

Alabama created separation from the outset, starting the game with a 10-1 run during which Mitchell and Rodney Cooper drilled three-pointers. Mitchell drilled another three nearly nine minutes into the game to push the Crimson Tide's lead to 20-7, and Maryland never recovered.

The Terps didn't crack double-digits until Terrell Stoglin hit two free throws with 8:28 left in the first half, and they only reached 20 at the break thanks to a last-second three by Sean Mosley.

Alabama held a 36-20 advantage at halftime and, in a defensive stand reminiscent to the start of the game, held Maryland to one point for the first five minutes of the second half.

"I think we are way too selfish to be good offensively," said Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon, who also said he was proud of his team's overall effort.

The Crimson Tide's effort in the second half helped them secure the game's outcome. Releford connected on a three-pointer almost seven minutes into the half for a 43-24 advantage, and Alabama cruised to the finish.

Game Notes

The Crimson Tide shot 7-of-16 from three-point range and 43 percent overall...Alabama held a 47-29 advantage in rebounds.