Alabama Women’s Basketball Collects First SEC Road Win

Alabama women's basketball appeared in the AP Poll for the first time this season on Monday as the No. 21 team in the nation after defeating No. 6 Kentucky last Thursday.

Get our free mobile app

The newly ranked Crimson Tide face the toughest part of their conference schedule, beginning with a road matchup against the Missouri Tigers on Monday night.

The Crimson Tide and Tigers were featured in the only SEC women's basketball game on the Monday slate, and it was a thriller indeed as the both teams exchanged baskets before the Crimson Tide took a 7-5 lead in the first five minutes of play. After being tied at 9-9, freshman Ace Austin, an Alabama native, gave the Crimson Tide the lead with a pair of free throws, which then led to a 15-2 run, ending the first quarter with a 22-11 lead.

Despite the 11-point lead heading into the second quarter and the Crimson Tide opening the frame with a 6-2 run, the Tigers gave their all to defend their home court, answering with a 16-2 run to close the half and cutting Alabama's lead to 32-29.

After the break, Kristy Curry reestablished her squad, and the Crimson Tide came out ready to work and reassert dominance. Jessica Timmons opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer. Each team traded baskets with star players from each side reaching double digits before the fourth quarter. The Crimson Tide edged the Tigers 21-20 in the frame to increase their lead to 53-49.

Opening or finishing each quarter with a run seemed to be the story of the night. The Crimson Tide opened the fourth quarter with a 9-1 run to build a 64-50 lead. The Tigers refused to let the Crimson Tide leave Mizzou Arena with a win, mounting a 7-0 run towards the end of the game, but it wasn't enough to stop the Crimson Tide who secured a 74-63 victory.

Not only did the Crimson Tide win, but a few players achieved career highs in the victory. Ta'Mia Scott collected five of the team's eight total steals, marking a career-high. Alancia Ramsey played a season-high 22 minutes off the bench, pacing the team in the plus-minus category at plus 16. Naomi Jones tied her career-high with four blocks, and Karly Weathers posted a career-high of 23 points.

Alabama Players with Double-Digit Points

Karly Weathers - 23 points

Jessica Timmons - 16 points

Ta'Mia Scott - 15 points

Alabama Stat Leaders 

Points: Karly Weathers - 23

Assists: Karly Weathers (3), Jessica Timmons (3)

Rebounds: Karly Weathers (7), Jessica Timmons (7), Ta'Mia Scott (7)

The Crimson Tide's next stop is Auburn, Alabama, to face their in-state rival on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. CT.