Tulsa, Alabama in Final

Alabama’s inability to win away from home kept the Crimson Tide out of the NCAA tournament. Doing just that has put Alabama into the championship game of the National Invitation Tournament.

Erwin Dudley and Kenny Walker controlled the inside Tuesday night as the Crimson Tide overpowered Detroit, 74-63, in the NIT semifinals at New York.

“Playing on the road has been a nightmare for us,” said Dudley, who led Alabama with 20 points and 16 rebounds. “We put all that behind us now and are focusing on the present and future.”

Walker scored 13 points as Alabama (25-10) advanced to play Tulsa in Thursday night’s final.

Rashad Williams scored 25 points to lead Detroit (25-11).

Tulsa 72, Memphis 64--Kevin Johnson scored 10 of his 16 points in the second half to lead the Golden Hurricane (25-11) over the Tigers (20-15) at New York.

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Jason Kapono almost left for the NBA last year and may do so this year. Dan Gadzuric is looking to test the same waters.

UCLA Coach Steve Lavin said he has spoken with both players about their upcoming decision to either stay in school or make themselves available for the NBA draft. While Lavin avoided speculating on either player’s intentions, there is a sense that Gadzuric, a junior, will return and Kapono, a sophomore, could be the one to leave.

“I just think Dan, he’s always basically told me he wanted to stay in school and get his degree,” Lavin said. “But even Jason this year . . . it’s hard for me to distinguish one from the other. I wouldn’t be surprised if both came back to school because I think they enjoy the college experience.”