The University of Alabama women’s basketball team kept their undefeated start to the new season
going with their first road win of the season 63-39 over Little Rock.

Alabama was able to build a first quarter lead by getting to the paint and keeping Little Rock out of the
paint. Twelve of Alabama’s first 17 came in the paint while holding Little Rock to only two points in the
paint in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the defense was king as both teams shot under 40%. Both defenses made things
difficult by drawing offensive fouls, swarming the passing lanes, and blocking shots.

Alabama was able to stimy Little Rock late into the shot clock forcing tough shots. The Tide were also
able to force some turnovers that led to chances on the offensive side.

Sarah Ashlee Barker led the way in the first half with 11 points including a three pointer with ten
seconds left in the half. However, Jaiyah Harris-Smith would answer back with a three at the buzzer to
cut the Alabama lead to 29-20 at halftime.

The Crimson Tide came out hot in the third quarter with a 14-0 run including eight points from Jessica
Timmons.

“I thought our team found a way especially in the third to come out and get some buckets,” said Coach
Kristy Curry. “We just needed somebody on the road to step up and make some plays and I thought
Jessica did that for us today.”

Alabama held Little Rock scoreless for the first five minutes of the second half. Essense Cody, who had
foul trouble early, made an impact inside blocking shots and dominating the glass.

“I think she has done a really good job of going to rebound every single time a shot goes up,” said Curry.
Alabama outscored Little Rock 15-6 in the third quarter to extend their lead to 44-26 heading into the
fourth quarter.

The Crimson Tide kept things rolling early in the fourth going on an 11-0 run to make it 55-26. Cody and
Timmons combined for 11 of the teams’ 19 points in the fourth quarter.

Alabama shot 83.3% from the field while holding Little Rock to just 36.4% in the fourth quarter. Alabama
was also able to get to the free throw line making seven in the fourth quarter alone.

Barker, Essense, Timmons and McQueen led the way offensively with a combined 48 points between the
four. Both Barker and Essence shot over 50% from the field while Timmons was 3/5 from behind the
arc.

Alabama held Little Rock to just 31.1% from the field and forced 19 turnovers. Their length helped jump
passing lanes and not allow the Trojans to get any entries into the post.

The Crimson Tide head to Texas for the Betty Chancelor Classic where they will play three games starting
with Louisville then Gonzaga and Liberty.

“We know that the next three games are against NCAA tournament teams in back-to-back to back days,”
said Curry. “It comes down to toughness and recovery and how we handle our business over the next
couple of days.”

 

Nazario Pangallo is a contributor for WVUA-FM Sports.