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Davidson comes up big in return to lineup

Dec 17, 2006 - 5:11 AM MOBILE, Alabama (Ticker) -- Alabama gladly welcomed back Jermareo Davidson.

Davidson scored 25 points and added a career-high nine blocks as ninth-ranked Alabama knocked off previously unbeaten Southern Mississippi, 77-64, in the Coors Classic.

Alonzo Gee scored 20 points and Richard Hendrix added 11 for the Crimson Tide, which improved to 19-5 all-time against the Golden Eagles (7-1).

A 6-10 senior center, Davidson withdrew last week under an NCAA and Southeastern Conference rule that allows an athlete to do so under tragic circumstances.

Davidson's girlfriend died on November 12 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident five days earlier. His brother was critically injured in the crash and remains hospitalized.

Averaging 14.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in seven games, Davidson sat out Alabama's 92-58 rout of intrastate rival Alabama State last Saturday. He was reinstated for this contest and made a triumphant return, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 9-of-12 from the line. Davidson also hauled in 11 rebounds.

Gee converted 7-of-11 shots, including both attempts from the arc, as Alabama survived without starting point guard Ronald Steele, who sat out with ankle and knee injuries.

Jeremy Wise scored 19 points for Southern Miss, which was off to its best start since the 1985-86 season. They shot 32 percent (21-of-66).