Clay Pruitt

On this day 24 years ago, Coleman Coliseum witnessed one of the most unforgettable finishes in @AlabamaMBB history that propelled the Crimson Tide to its first SEC regular-season championship in 15 years. With everything on the line and an SEC title within reach, Antoine Pettway delivered a moment that still echoes through Tuscaloosa — a glass-kissing layup that lifted Alabama past Florida, 65-64, on Feb. 23, 2002. Alabama had not won a SEC regular-season title since 1987, but on this memorable day inside Coleman Coliseum, destiny hung in the balance. It was fitting that head coach Mark Gottfried — himself a key contributor on the 1987 SEC championship squad — stood on the sideline. But the final chapter belonged to @AntoinePettway. After Florida’s James White missed a crucial free throw with 14 seconds left, @mowilliams chased the rebound into the corner, raced across midcourt and found Earnest Shelton. With the clock ticking under five seconds, Shelton drove the lane, drew the defense — and at the last instant spotted Pettway cutting free toward the rim. The pass was perfect. The timing, impeccable. Pettway softly laid it off the glass — and the net snapped as time stood still. Coleman erupted and the Mark’s Madness section spilled onto the court. Four days later, the Crimson Tide finished the job at Auburn to lock up the outright regular-season title, then powered its way to the SEC Tournament final. But it was that singular moment — Pettway gliding to the basket — that symbolized the grit and belief of that team. Twenty-four years later, the image remains timeless. A cut to the rim. A pass in stride. A layup immortalized on a Daniel Moore canvas.