By: Robert Sellers
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – In an overall dominating effort, the 23rd ranked Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Georgia State Panthers 98-49 in front of an electric 5th grade crowd to improve to 8-0 on the year.
Zaay Green led the scoring for the Crimson Tide, putting up a double double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Green was incredibly efficient, shooting 8 for 13 from the field and 4 for 6 from beyond the arc, and also dished out a career high 7 assists.
“Just playing with an experienced team and then just playing with a lot of returners, I trust that when I pass them the ball that they’re gonna make the right play,” said Zaay Green about the trust she has in her teammates.
The Crimson Tide absolutely dominated the Panthers on the boards, pulling down 65 rebounds compared to the Panthers 22. Zaay Green and Essence Cody both had double digit rebounds and Lester contributed as well with 8 boards. Not only did the tide control the defensive boards, but they were also able to grab 25 offensive rebounds which contributed to over 15 second chance points.
“It’s been a point of emphasis because I don’t necessarily think that we’ve rebounded the ball at the level that we’re capable of. I think that when you start games like we did and you’re not finishing, there’s other ways to score like an offensive putback, getting to the free throw line, defensive rebounding, and finding joy in doing the little things,” said Coach Kristy Curry when commenting on the team’s rebounding success.
The Tide struggled to start the first quarter and found themselves in an early 11-4 hole, not making a single field goal in the first three and a half minutes, but the Tide quickly found its groove, as a 15-0 run began a dominating performance after a slow start.
Alabama put up yet another suffocating defensive effort, holding the Panthers to just 49 points on 31.5% shooting from the field. The Crimson Tide’s performance marked the eight time in their first nine games that they’ve held their opponent to under 60 points.
In past weeks, Coach Curry has highlighted free throw shooting as a point of emphasis and a potential area for improvement, and she saw results today. The Crimson Tide shot an impressive 21 for 23 from the charity stripe today. Alabama’s shooters were also dialed in from three point range today as the Tide went 11 for 26 from beyond the arc, led by Zaay Green, Eris Lester, Karly Weathers, and Aaliyah Nye.
Coleman Coliseum was packed and rowdy today on 5th grade fast break day as many elementary schools across the Tuscaloosa area brought groups of students to attend the game.
“When you see that much energy it definitely infuses you with energy. As the game went we embraced the noise and did a really good job with it,” said Coach Curry concerning the impact of the crowd on today’s game.
The Crimson Tide’s next game will be in Berkeley, CA on Thursday at 8pm central against an ACC opponent, the California Bears.
