NASHVILLE, Tenn. — They say all good things must come to an end.

The old adage proved true for Alabama’s four-game win streak, as they fell to No. 18 Tennessee in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament on Friday, 74-59.

The loss likely ends the Crimson Tide’s NCAA Tournament dreams, as they were projected in the “first four out” by ESPN’s Charlie Creme headed into the game.

Poor shooting was the Tide’s downfall, as they shot just 31.7% from the field and 18.5% from three. It was the team’s third-worst shooting game from deep on the season, and fourth-worst shooting performance overall.

Adding to Alabama’s struggles, Head Coach Kristy Curry was ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls late in the second quarter. Curry received the fouls after being extremely vocal regarding multiple calls in the game.

While she refused to comment on the officiating, Curry didn’t show any regret with her remarks following the game.

”I’m not gonna apologize for the passion… I will fight for those kids.”

Megan Abrams and Allie Craig Cruce both had good outings for Alabama, scoring 19 and 12 points respectively. The two combined to grab seven rebounds, while Cruce added a pair of steals for the Tide.

Brittany Davis failed to find her rhythm all night, scoring just four points on 2-15 shooting. She did however find other ways to impact the game, grabbing five rebounds in addition to a block and a steal.

The Tide fell behind early, making just one of their first nine shots to begin the game. Before they knew it, they were in a 15-5 hole at the end of the first.

Tennessee continued their onslaught in the second, going on a 7-0 run that was eventually put out by a Hannah Barber three.

How did they respond? A three of their own.

Tennessee led the entire game, and seemingly every time Alabama got something going, the Lady Vols answered right back.

The Tide came out hot to begin the third, shooting 57.1% from the field and scoring twelve points in the first five minutes of the quarter. The burst was mostly thanks to Cruce, who lead the quarter’s scoring with seven.

They would follow that up, however, by failing to score in the final five minutes of the third.

Finishing on a positive note, Alabama would outscore the Lady Vols 22-18 in the final quarter. They also held them scoreless for the final two and a half minutes of the game.

Despite the tough loss, Coach Curry stressed her team’s impressive late-season form. She specifically noted the team’s two top-25 wins, and the fact that they’d won five of their last seven games.

“We feel like we’re worthy of consideration, and it’s gonna be special to watch the SEC in the NCAA Tournament. We hope we’re a part of it.”

Alabama will now await a decision from the tournament committee regarding their postseason fate. While their NCAA Tournament hopes look slim, the team is almost certainly a lock for the WNIT.

The NCAA Tournament field will be released Sunday, March 13 at 7 p.m. CT, while the WNIT bracket will follow the next day.

PHOTO CREDIT to Rodger Champion.

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