TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– After making history by securing their first ever double bye in program history, Alabama went on to defeat the ninth-seeded Florida State Seminoles in their first round matchup in the NCAA Tournament.
The victory marked the 11th time Alabama has advanced to the second round in school history – and the second time under head coach Kristy Curry. Florida State seemed to be doing everything right on both sides of the ball, forcing 10 turnovers in the first half for Alabama. They also wasted no time getting physical with Alabama’s All-SEC performers, Sarah Ashlee Barker and Aaliyah Nye. Barker – the Tide’s leading scorer this season – struggled with foul trouble the whole game, only playing 9 minutes in total with nearly five minutes remaining in the contest. As for Nye, the Seminoles seemed to have done their scouting as the Noles did a great job of running Nye off the three point line. However, despite the rocky start, Alabama displayed resilience and composure. Nye was able to adjust and hit tough shots, from falling down layups, to fading mid rangers, hitting contested shots and more. It seemed like Nye could do no wrong. Alabama wasn’t going down without a fight. Not far behind, the rest of the Tide rose to the occasion as Sarah Ashlee Barker was forced to sit.
It wasn’t before long until Alabama was able to tie the game at halftime, only to take the lead minutes later after starting the third quarter with a 6-0 run. However, momentum shifted in the Seminoles favor after Sarah Ashlee Barker was forced to go to the bench after her fourth foul on the night. Yet Alabama continued to push forward, fueled by Weathers – starting in place of Jessica Timmons who is out with an ACL injury – McQueen and Cody’s collective efforts, contributing 51 points. Weathers with a season high 18, McQueen with 13 and Cody with 20 points. Despite the contribution, Florida State was still able to capitalize on Barker’s absence, narrowing the gap to a one point game with a minute and twenty three seconds left.
With one of her few remaining timeouts, Kristy Curry, walked to halfcourt and called for a timeout.
Would Alabama’s offense stall out in the second half?
Only time would tell.
As the team walked back onto an island amidst a sea of passionate fans, anxious to see what would happen next. Karly Weathers was set to inbound the ball. As soon as the official handed Weathers the ball, she took no hesitation to pass to an open Aaliyah Nye. Weaving through the screens, coming off a pin, leaving her wide open for the corner shot.
Bottom.
There she was. The new school record holder for threes in a season. Nye had been denied at nearly every opportunity but was able to make one in the final moments of the game. The score was now 77-72, and the momentum finally fell back on the Crimson Tide. Riding the momentum, Alabama found themselves riding into the second round.
“Well, I’m really happy for our team,” said head coach Kristy Curry.
“Today’s game was a game of runs, and I thought we were really, really good on being able to weather their runs and make sure that ours were just a couple of plays longer. Florida State had an incredible year, and they’re a really great team. I’m just so proud of our kids today and their resilience. We fought through some foul trouble, our leading scorer, and we just had so many of our players step up today, and I’m just incredibly proud.”
Essence Cody, All-SEC Freshman, was the player of the night. Finishing the game with a monstrous double-double. 20 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal. Absolutely dominant, Cody proved why she was the highest recruit ever in Alabama program history. Still raw, she has much to learn, a terrifying thought for future opponents. She was everywhere tonight playing great defense, forcing blocked shots, hitting from beyond the arc and setting screens to seal the lanes for her teammates.
“Essence has grown up a lot this year,” said senior athlete Loyal McQueen. “We need her to be aggressive every single night. We need her to be on the boards essentially every night in order for us to beat big-time teams, so we’re definitely going to need her again on Sunday to have a big night. So we’re going to continue to stay on her because Essence can be great and we all know it and we all see it. I’m excited for her, but many more career highs to come.”
When asked if she was worried about Sarah Ashlee Barker’s foul trouble, head coach Kristy curry replied, “I really wasn’t. I felt like she was so inspiring on the sideline and stayed connected and into the game and continued to try to encourage… As this team has faced adversity, whether it’s been injury or foul trouble, they just continue to weather and stay together, and I just really credit their character. They’re a gritty bunch. They’re fun to coach because of that.
Alabama will now go on to face No.1 seed Texas, Sunday March 24.
