TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Women’s basketball made history Thursday night, as the Crimson Tide now have held each of their first four opponents under 50 points for the first time in program history. The historic achievement comes by a dominant defensive performance against the South Florida Bulls that resulted in a final score of 70-41.
The Crimson Tide has solidified its identity, emerging as a force on the court with a relentless focus on defense. Employing a full-court press and limiting opponents’ points in the paint, Alabama’s 4-0 streak to start the season showcases their defensive abilities. During this impressive stretch, the Tide have forced 101 turnovers, translating into 96 points. Not only that, but their offensive capabilities shine as Alabama has amassed 174 points in the paint compared to a combined total of 66 points from their opponents. Against the Bulls, the Tide scored 17 points off turnovers and earned 38 points in the paint. This dual threat of creating turnovers and restricting opponents’ paint scoring not only defines their defensive identity but creates multiple scoring opportunities for the Tide.
To no surprise, Sarah Ashlee Barker once again made her presence felt leading the team in scoring. Demonstrating no signs of slowing down, Barker delivered a career-high 25 points and secured nine rebounds, setting a new career-high yet again. From the jump, Barker established her presence with tenacious energy, giving her teammates momentum early on in the game. She tallied 19 of her 25 points before halftime, marking her fourth consecutive game with a double-digit scoring output, reaffirming any doubts at a breakout season.
“I would not be the player I am today without the Lord. I would not be the player I am today without coach Kristy and her having confidence in me and talking to me about being a better leader this year…I think the game comes a lot easier when you worry about other people. The game just starts to click, and that’s what I’ve tried to do. How can I help other people be better?”
In addition to Barker’s impressive performance, Aaliyah Nye continued to make significant contributions, adding 16 points and surpassing 800 points in her collegiate career. Nye’s defensive abilities were also on full display with an impressive 5 steals, confirming her status as an elite two-way player shooting nearly 42% beyond the arc. Loyal McQueen also made her presence felt with a noteworthy performance, finishing the game with 14 points, 12 of which came in the second half. Together, Barker, Nye, and McQueen accounted for 55 of Alabama’s 70 points. Dominating in every fashion while shooting at an efficient 44% from the field compared to South Florida’s 24%.
“Just really proud of the discipline defensively tonight. I thought we defended really well. Everybody that came in there was just no letdown, so I loved our bench energy, but, on the defensive end, just a great, disciplined effort from us tonight and to be able to finish and box out against a great rebounding team. Great win for us tonight. I love the way we did it. I thought Sarah Ashlee Barker and Aaliyah Nye set the tone from a leadership standpoint, along with Loyal McQueen. For Sarah Ashlee Barker to have a career night against someone of this caliber, I think, it really is a career night.” said head coach Kristy Curry.
