Women's Basketball Dominates In-State Rival UAB, 74-55
12/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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TUSCALOOSA - Marverly Nettles scored 15 points on seven of 12 shooting from the field as the Alabama Crimson Tide took advantage of the cold-shooting UAB Blazers, 74-55, Tuesday night at Coleman Coliseum.
The win improves the Tide to 5-1 on the young season, while the Blazers drop to 1-7. Alabama now leads the in-state series by eight games, with a 14-6 record overall.
Alabama was red-hot in the first half, nailing 16 of their 31 shots from the field, including four of seven attempts from behind the arc. In opposition, UAB could not buy a first half field goal, connecting on just five of their 35 attempts for only 14 percent. Spurred on by their hot hands, the Tide rolled out to a 20-point lead with just under four minutes remaining in the opening half, on their way to a 38-21 halftime advantage.
"It really was an improvement over last Saturday," said head coach Rick Moody. "We are a talented team. When we play with attitude and intensity we have an opportunity to be really good."
The Tide cooled a bit in the second half, shooting just over 36 percent from the field, but UAB could not overcome their icy offense. The Blazers improved their shooting percentage to 33 percent, but committed 13 turnovers in the second half alone. The Tide's lead never dwindled below the 17-point barrier.
Navonda Moore chipped in 13 points while Monique Bivins finished with 11, rounding out the Alabama players who scored in double figures. Bivins and newcomer Lateefah Joye each pulled down six rebounds to lead the Crimson Tide.
Alabama consistently harassed the Blazers, forcing 20 total turnovers and gathering 10 steals. The Tide also displayed remarkable ball movement on the offensive end, garnering 18 assists to only two for UAB.
The Blazers lone bright spot was on the glass, where the Blazers owned a small rebounding advantage over the Tide. UAB pulled down 51 boards to Alabama's 47, including a 22 to 16 advantage on the offensive end.
"I thought overall, with the exception of rebounding, you have to give UAB a lot of credit," Moody said. "This is the first game this year that we have been out-rebounded."
Nettles continues to come up big in her first year with the Crimson Tide. A transfer from Chicago State, the guard leads the team in scoring, with just over 14 points per game. Her two steals against the Blazers raises her season total to 21. Kate Mastin is second on the squad with eight total takeaways.
Carman Guzman led UAB with 18 points on five of 15 shooting from the field and a perfect eight for eight from the charity stripe. She was also the team's leading rebounder, pounding the glass for 14 boards.
Next up for the Tide is a trip to Cookeville, Tenn., to face the Tennessee Tech Golden Eaglettes. Last year, Alabama defeated Tech at Coleman Coliseum, 83-61, evening the all-time series at two games apiece.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Crystal Bellinger brings the ball upcourt.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Monique Bivins breaks away after a steal.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
The Lauren Hill Fan Club shows their support for their favorite player.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Lateefah Joye brings the ball up the left side of the court.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
Lateefah Joye drives toward the basket.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
Dee Merriweather goes up for the tip-off.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
Dee Merriweather hauls in a rebound.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Coach Rick Moody is recognized for his 300th career victory by UA associate athletic director Marie Robbins.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Navonda Moore plays tough defense.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
Marverly Nettles looks to get the ball inside.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
