By: Robert Sellers
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Sparked by its dynamic offense, No. 22 Alabama rolled once again to improve its undefeated record to 5-0.
The Crimson Tide took down the Alcorn State Lady Braves on Thursday Night 88-59. Alabama’s offense continues its potent run, as the Tide now average just under 90 points a game.
Shooting 44% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc, Alabama’s offense never gave the Lady Braves a chance to catch their breath.
Sarah Ashlee Barker and Aaliyah Nye were extremely efficient once again, as Barker put up 14 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 3 assists. Nye was on fire from three point range, hitting five of her six attempts from beyond the arc. Nye finished with 17 points.
The main catalyst for the Tide’s paint attack against the Braves was Essence Cody. Cody was dominant in the paint all night, dropping a season high 18 points on 6 for 8 shooting, and racked up 8 rebounds and 4 blocks.
“My teammates trust me to have the ball. I just play my game. My teammates got my back and I got their back,” said Cody when asked about her performance.
The Tide’s offense struggled to shoot to start the second quarter – going nearly six minutes without a field goal. Barker broke the ice with 4:11 left to go in the second with a deep three, sparking a 19-2 Alabama run to close out the first half.
The Crimson Tide were extremely active on the offensive boards throughout the night, grabbing 20 offensive rebounds. The Tide out rebounded the Lady Braves 49-38.
Alabama was able to showcase their depth during the fourth quarter, giving valuable minutes to younger players. Eris Lester and Diana Collins made the most of their playing time, scoring 15 and 8 points, respectively.
“With our younger players it just takes time. I think it’s important for me to try and get them in regardless of opponent, situation, time, score because that’s the only way we’re gonna get better,” Head Coach Kristy Curry said.
Defensively, the Tide were able to hold the Lady Braves to 32.8% shooting from the field, and did not allow Alcorn State to reach 60 points, marking the fourth time in Alabama’s first five games in which they held their opponent under 60 points.
When asked where her team could improve most, Curry emphasized missed free throws. “Free throw shooting has to improve. It’s atrocious and it’s something we continue to work on day in and day out.”
The Tide went 21 for 32 from the charity stripe, shooting 65.6%.
No. 22 Alabama will travel to Monroe, LA to take on the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks on Sunday, November 17.
