Alabama women’s basketball dominates at Emerald Coast Classic and remains undefeated – The Crimson White

Alabama guard Diana Collins (#20) dribbles down the court against Alabama State during the Emerald Coast Classic.

No. 23 Alabama women’s basketball team returned to action this week to play in the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Florida. The Crimson Tide won both games by a total of 84 points.

Monday against Alabama State

After a week of rest and practice, the Crimson Tide got off to a quick start against the Yellow Jackets.

Guards Sarah Ashlee Barker and Zaay Green found their chances in the first quarter. Barker made two quick layups before hitting a three-pointer at 6:30.

Green stole the ball twice in the first few minutes, and both baskets led to the score at the other end. She was fouled once, made both free throw attempts and hit two shots to end the quarter with 6 points.

Green reached an impressive milestone in that game: She surpassed 400 assists in her career.

“I want her to shoot the ball a little more, but I love her selflessness. I love her ability to find open people,” said head coach Kristy Curry. “She just does so much with the ball in her hands and can really command the court, which is special. “When she gets to the next level, that’s what will set her apart.”

Alabama scored 26 points in the first quarter, half of which came from Alabama State turnovers. The Crimson Tide forced nine turnovers and dominated the glass early, collecting 12 rebounds.

Guard Aaliyah Nye caught fire on both ends of the court, especially in the second quarter. She stole the ball twice in a row and finished the half with 10 total points.

Alabama held Alabama State to 20 points in the first half and continued to tighten its defense. The Crimson Tide didn’t allow many open looks and held the Yellow Jackets to 21.4% from deep for the game.

Center JeAnna Cunningham made the most of her 13 minutes of play, scoring 7 points and collecting nine rebounds.

Guard Karly Weathers is known for her rushing plays, such as racking up steals and strong defense, but she was the best 3-point shooter against the Yellow Jackets. Weathers sank four times from downtown while robbing Alabama State’s ball handlers three times.

“She does all the little things for us and makes a big difference on both sides of the ball, but I think we want her to look for a shot like she did today,” Curry said. “It was really nice to see it come through for them today.”

Alabama’s starting five eliminated the free throw problems of the previous games and on 17.14. crushed as a unit.

The Crimson Tide defeated the Yellow Jackets 83-33 for their seventh win of the season.

Tuesday against Clemson

This game was Alabama’s first of two meetings against ACC teams this season, and featured a familiar face against the Crimson Tide; Guard Loyal McQueen transferred from Alabama to Clemson in the offseason, adding even more excitement to the game.

In the first quarter it was difficult for both teams to get baskets. Clemson focused on Barker, but that strategy didn’t work well as other Crimson Tide players found an easy path to the rim.

The score at the end of the first quarter was 15-8 Alabama, and the Crimson Tide came out in the second quarter realizing there was a mismatch.

The Tigers struggled to keep up with Crimson Tide forward Essence Cody throughout the game. Cody found her way to the basket at will, especially in the first half where she scored 9 points.

Cody used her height advantage to score a total of 15 points in the game and was just one rebound away from a double-double. Whenever Clemson tried to use more defensive resources to influence them, the basketball ended up in the hands of Green and Nye, who combined for 21 points in this game.

Although the Tigers held Barker to 0 points in the first quarter, she continued to fight, scoring 13 points in the other quarters.

Alabama owned almost every statistical category. The Crimson Tide collected nine more steals than the Tigers, outgained them by four and shot 21% better from the field than them.

Alabama defeated Clemson 73-39 to become Bay Bracket champions at the Emerald Coast Classic and extend its winning streak to eight.

“I have great confidence in our leadership group in Karly, Sarah Ashlee, Aaliyah and JeAnna,” Curry said. “There are a lot of players coming back who understand what our culture is about and I think we have incorporated some great culture elements into our program. I love our new faces, which are our transfer players and our three true freshmen.”

Green was named Most Outstanding Player of the Emerald Coast Classic, while Green and Nye were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Alabama’s next game is Monday at Coleman Coliseum against Georgia State. It airs at 11 a.m. CT on SEC Network+.