Alabama Defeats Tar Heels To Advance to Second Round
It took the Crimson Tide 21-years but today the No. 7 Alabama women's basketball team exacted revenge on No. 10 North Carolina Tar Heels. Alabama defeated North Carolina 80-71 in the NCAA Tournament to move into the second round in San Antonio. The last time the Tide made the tournament field in 1999 it was the Tar Heels emerging victorious, beginning a 21-year tournament drought for the program.
The Crimson Tide was led offensively by senior guard Jordan Lewis, Lewis scored 32 points, snagged 11 rebounds and added eight assists. Her efforts did not go unnoticed as WNBA Super Star Sue Bird tweeted her appreciation for Lewis's game.
The Tide led from start to finish, shooting 50% from the 3-point line and outrebounding North Carolina 46-33 to secure its place in the second round.
Lewis was not alone as Hannah Barber (14), Jasmine Walker (13) and Ariyah Copeland (11) all were in double figures in scoring in the opening round. Additionally, Copeland secured 12 rebounds to notch a double-double.
The Crimson Tide will face off against the winner of No. 2 Maryland and No. 15 Mount Saint Mary's in the second round on Wednesday for the right to advance to the Sweet 16. Should the Terrapins win, Alabama will face off with Maryland in both the men's and women's NCAA Tournament.
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