Alabama Hands LSU Its Third Defeat This Season In An Overtime Game

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- No. 20 Alabama women's basketball celebrated their final home game with an 88-85 victory against No.7 LSU, showcasing true grit and dedication in this upset.

Get our free mobile app

The Crimson Tide began the first quarter strong. While the Tigers were able to win the tip-off, the Crimson Tide immediately responded with Essence Cody scoring the first two points of the game in the paint.  Sa'Myah Smith responded by scoring with a layup to tie the game. Aaliyah Nye was then fouled by Flau'Jae Johnson and made all three free throws, extending the Crimson Tide's lead with 8:40 to play. Aneesah Morrow responded with a fast break layup, bringing the score to 5-4. By 6:29, Cody added another shot in the paint, giving the Crimson Tide a four point lead. Karly Weathers knocked down the first 3-pointer of the game at 5:25, pushing the score to 12-5. Mikaylah Williams scored for the Tigers, but Nye countered with a shot of her own, making it 16-7 with just 3:54 left. Diana Collins closed the first quarter with the Crimson Tide's second 3-pointer, giving the Crimson Tide a 23-16 lead heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter started much like the first, with Nye setting the tone with a 3-pointer. Kailyn Gilbert was fouled while shooting, and made both free throws, narrowing the score to 26-19. Cody, Green, and Barker each scored shots in the paint, pushing the Crimson Tide's lead to 32-19 with 7:25 remaining. Smith responded with a wide-open shot for the Tigers, making the score 32-21. At 5:45, Barker forced a turnover and scored, extending the lead to 34-21. Morrow fought for the Tigers to come up, making inside shots and free throws, slightly closing the gap with a score of 34-26 with just 4:00 left in the game. The final minutes of the quarter saw a fast-paced exchange of points, and by halftime, the Crimson Tide held a 46-35 lead.

In third quarter, both teams intensified their efforts. Williams scored the first points of the quarter, followed by a 3-pointer from Gilbert at 7:50, bringing the score to 48-39. Morrow added a layup in the paint, then immediately fouled Nye, who made both free throw shots. Both teams battled fiercely on the court, but the Crimson Tide maintained their lead by the end of the third quarter at 60-54.

The fourth quarter showed proof that both team's had a desire to win this game. Barker opened the scoring by shooting two at the free throw line (62-54). Smith answered with a layup at 9:13. The Crimson Tide continued to dominate, scoring most of their points in the paint. Nye remained a scoring threat, hitting another 3-pointer with 8:23 remaining. At 3:42, the Tigers narrowed the gap to 73-71, making this the smallest margin in the game. Nye fouled out at 3:26, allowing Sheppard to add two free throws, making one and bringing the score to 73-72. Barker scored to push it to 75-72, but Johnson quickly answered for the Tigers, making it 75-74 at 2:54. As time ticked down, Morrow and Barker exchanged layups. With 1:07 left, Morrow made one of two free throws, keeping the Tigers within striking distance. Williams tied the game with 23 seconds left, forcing overtime at 79-79.

In overtime, at 4:10, Green sank a 3-point shot, making the score 82-79. The Tigers responded with a 3-point shot, which evened out the scoring board. Barker immediately responded with two points, making the score 84-82 with 2:03 left. Day-Wilson tied the game up at 1:49. Barker continued to clutch another two points, making the game 86-84. After reviewing a call, Williams shot two free throws and made one, making the score 86-85. With four seconds left in the game, Green added two free throws, making the score 88-85 with three seconds left. In the final seconds of the game, the Crimson Tide dribbled it out for the win, forcing a major upset in women's college basketball.

Alabama will face Oklahoma to finish out their regular season schedule on Sunday, March 2, at 1:30 p.m. CST.