TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Following a commanding victory over Kentucky, the Crimson Tide extended their dominance into their matchup against Arkansas, resulting in a victory with the final score of 86-70.
The game kicked off with energy radiating from both teams, as the Crimson Tide and Razorbacks took turns exchanging blows, and exchanging the lead four times. However, in what started out as highly competitive, quickly simmered down in the second quarter, where Alabama put their foot on the pedal shooting an impressive 61% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. The Tide could do no wrong as they went on a 19-3 run, giving Alabama a solid 43-25 lead at halftime – their biggest lead in the game.
Although Alabama seemed to be in the driver’s seat, the game would be far from over as Arkansas did their best to try and narrow the gap. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, Alabama had an answer to every shot made.
Building on her career performance in the previous game against Kentucky—where Sarah Ashlee Barker achieved a career-high 34 points and a double-double— she continued showing her dominance with another double double. With her 25-point, 11-rebound performance, Barker has collected consecutive double-doubles since Brittany Davis on Feb. 12, 2023. Barker shows why she continues to be the Tide’s leading scorer this season, however this game she didn’t do it alone. The Alabama bench was in full support as this was the first time since Dec. 6 that Alabama has had five players in double figures. Sophomore Karly Weathers was a huge spark off the pine for Alabama collecting a season-high 16 points and a career-high 10 rebounds.
Arkansas tried to make one last fourth quarter push–but to no avail. The Tide’s chemistry looked to be in full effect as Alabama looked like they could do no wrong.
“A gritty win on the road, in a tough environment. The box score is very similar to what they (Arkansas) took from us in Tuscaloosa,” said head coach Kristy Curry.
We felt like if we could sure up some areas, protect the paint better, make sure we kept them off the free throw line and rebound the ball better. It’s just very similar to you know, what’s on the good side for us tonight. So, it’s just a credit to our kids and the toughness and the grit. I’m so proud for them and proud of them and their effort tonight.”
Arkansas has only beaten an SEC opponent once when trailing at the half, and that one win came against Alabama earlier this season. However, that would not be the case this time around. Alabama will now go on to Nashville, Tenn. to take on Vanderbilt Commodores at 6 p.m CT Feb. 5, on SEC Network.
Jaylon Brooks serves as WVUA-FM’s senior women’s basketball writer and host of The Student Section: NFL Tuesdays 7 p.m. & The Crimson Case Fridays 12:15 p.m. on WVUA 90.7.
You can follow him on X @JaylonbrooksUA.
