OXFORD, Miss – Nobody would’ve blamed Alabama if they had lost Sunday’s contest against Ole Miss.

 

The Crimson Tide’s two best players Brittany Davis and Megan Abrams were both forced to miss the game with injury, Kristy Curry’s team was on the road against a team that was thus far undefeated in SEC play, and better yet, it was alumni night in Oxford.

 

But against all odds, Alabama earned their best win of the young season by defeating Ole Miss 63-58.

 

“A special win today,” Curry remarked after the game.

 

Alabama fell behind by 11 points early in the second quarter, and it seemed like Ole Miss had every ounce of momentum. Rebels guard Salary Destiny started the game with perfect 5-5 shooting after all, scoring 12 points right out of the gate.

 

But something lit a spark under the Crimson Tide, and Sarah Ashlee Barker would score seven straight points to bring the game within four. Before Ole Miss could catch their breath, their 11-point lead had evaporated into just a two-point gap by halftime.

 

Alabama would take the lead with 6:13 remaining in the third quarter and wouldn’t relinquish it for the remainder of the night.

 

“We were faced with adversity, just amazing toughness. That was the difference in the game,” Curry said.

 

The biggest marker of that toughness was perhaps Alabama’s deep roster that stepped up in absence of Davis and Abrams.

 

Curry said following the game that she knew the two players weren’t going to be able to go as of Saturday, but that the game plan remained the same regardless.

 

Barker had far and away her best game for the Tide, scoring 16 points while tallying five rebounds and three assists.

 

“She just had an edge about her the entire night… amazing leadership from SA,” Curry said.

 

Loyal McQueen also stepped up, overcoming seven turnovers to score 14 points.

 

Jada Rice added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds on the night, in addition to a trio of blocks.

 

With the win, Alabama moves to 14-4 on the season, and improves to 3-2 in SEC play. Ole Miss drops its first game in the SEC this season, falling to 16-3.

 

Injury Report

Both Brittany Davis and Megan Abrams missed Sunday’s game against Ole Miss and remain day-to-day, according to head coach Kristy Curry.

 

Both players traveled with the team, but Davis was seen wearing a boot on her right foot on the bench.

 

JaMya Mingo-Young remains out for personal reasons.

 

Up Next

Alabama will host Texas A&M (5-11, 0-6 SEC) on Jan. 19th. The game is scheduled to broadcast on SEC Network+ and tip is set for 6 p.m. CT.

 

For 24/7 coverage of Alabama women’s basketball, follow Nicholas Pursley on Twitter @nicholaspursley.