TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Richard Hendrix had 19 points and 17 rebounds today as Alabama beat L-S-U 81-to-72 in Tuscaloosa.

Both teams were tied for last in the Southeastern Conference Western Division, but Alabama pulled ahead to shake that distinction.

The Crimson Tide (13-9, 2-5 Southeastern Conference) scored the final six points to hold off a last rally attempt that included a pair of dunks and four straight free throws in the final 37 seconds.

Hendrix heaved a long inbounds pass to Alonzo Gee for a breakaway dunk to give Alabama a 75-69 lead.

But that's when 6-foot-11 Chris Johnson answered with a quick 3-pointer for L-S-U (8-13, 1-6) with 33 seconds left.

Hendrix then dunked off a pass from Senario Hillman with 24 seconds to play. Hillman stole the ball from Marcus Thornton and hit two free throws to seal the win.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)