TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Despite a rough fourth quarter, Alabama found a way to win in New Orleans and defeated Tulane 72-61.

 

The Crimson Tide led the contest comfortably for a majority of the game, even building a 23-point lead with just under seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter. But Kristy Curry’s squad allowed a 15-5 run over the last 5:42, allowing Tulane to get within 10 in a game that was seemingly over.

 

Tulane had yet to make a trip to the charity stripe with 4:47 remaining in the third quarter, yet finished the game with 17 free throws.

 

“It’s really hard to defend the free throw line,” Curry said after the game.

 

And while the 23-year-veteran may not have agreed with all of the 25 fouls called on her team over the course of the game, she admitted that the burden lies on her players to make changes.

 

“It was frustrating at times, but at the end of the day you have to be able to adjust on the road with how the game is being called.”

 

The Crimson Tide squad also had an unusually high number of turnovers, especially for a team stocked with veterans. 15 of their 17 turnovers came from the starting lineup.

 

“We just can’t do that,” Curry said.

 

So how did Alabama manage to win a road game with so many self-inflicted wounds? Simple. Another brilliant performance from Brittany Davis.

 

The preseason All-SEC First Team member rained down five threes during her 24-point outing against the Green Wave.

 

Curry was quick to praise Davis’ ability to counter the defense and “extremely hard” play, but was even more impressed with how she’s grown in the offseason.

 

She specifically praised her improved conditioning and rebounding ability, something the veteran showcased with an 11-rebound night.

 

“I was really proud of her double-double tonight.”

 

Hannah Barber also gave the Crimson Tide a spark during the win, contributing 12 points while knocking down a pair of triples.

Injury Report

Notably absent from Thursday’s contest was freshman Karly Weathers, who scored 15 points in her debut for Alabama against Alabama A&M. Weathers was seen on the bench with a hard cast on her left hand.

 

When asked after the game, Curry said that Weathers has a hand injury that occurred in practice.

 

“We’re gonna take it day-by-day, but we feel good about the prognosis.”

 

Aaliyah Nye returned to the court following her exit during Alabama’s game against the Bulldogs. Nye played 10 minutes and grabbed one rebound against Tulane.

 

Next Up

 

Alabama, now 2-0, will travel to Tampa to take on South Florida (1-0) on Nov. 16. Tip is set for 6 p.m. CT.

 

PHOTO CREDIT TO ALABAMA ATHLETICS/CRIMSON TIDE PHOTOS.

 

Follow Nicholas Pursley on Twitter @nicholaspursley for 24/7 coverage of Alabama women’s basketball.