TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Mark Sears scored 22 points and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. had 20, including a game-tying 3-pointer with 22 seconds to go to force overtime, as No. 16 Alabama rallied to beat Arkansas 92-88 on Saturday.
Sam Walters scored seven of his 10 points in overtime, including a go-ahead 3-pointer, for Alabama (21-10, 13-5 SEC) which never led in regulation and secured a double bye in the SEC Tournament next week with the win.
Khalif Battle led Arkansas (15-16, 6-12 SEC) with 22 points and Makhi Mitchell scored 18. Tramon Mark scored 13 and Travon Brazille had 12.
It was the first start for Wrightsell since Feb. 17. He sustained a head injury in practice and missed three straight games.
Wrightsell’s return was a welcome sight for a Crimson Tide team that struggled from the 3-point line in his absence. Wrightsell led Alabama, going 4 for 8 from 3-point range.
Grant Nelson scored 14 and Nick Pringle and Aaron Estrada had 10 each for the Crimson Tide, which took its first lead 30 seconds into OT.
Arkansas opened the game with a 10-2 run along with three forced turnovers to set the tone early.
The Razorbacks dominated with 22 points in the paint in the first half while shooting 52% from the field. Arkansas limited Alabama to 36% shooting and outrebounded Alabama 22-18.
Arkansas stumbled in the second half, shooting 1 of 11 at one point, but going 13 for 13 from the foul line kept the Razorbacks in control.
The Hogs will be the No. 12 seed in the SEC Tournament and will face No. 13-seed Vanderbilt in the first round on March 13. Coverage from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., begins at 6 p.m. on the SEC Network.