Bama Women's Hoops Falls at South Carolina, 77-51
2/13/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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COLUMBIA, S.C. - Katie Sipe scored 14 points and Kate Mastin added 13, but the University of Alabama women's basketball team could not overcome the hot-shooting South Carolina Gamecocks, falling 77-51 at the Colonial Center in Columbia, S.C.
The Tide, just four days removed from ending a six-game losing streak with a victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores, fell to 11-12 overall and 3-7 in SEC action. The Gamecocks improved their record to 10-12 on the season, while picking up their first conference victory in nine tries.
"We knew they were a dangerous team, how could they not be?" Alabama head coach Rick Moody said. "They were hungry for the win."
Carolina was effective early in slowing Alabama's production in the paint, forcing the Tide's perimeter shooters into action. Alabama attempted an astonishing 17 three-point shots in the first half, connecting on only four. In all, the Tide shot just 9 of 36 in the first half for 27 percent, while the Gamecocks connected on 47 percent of their shots. After a 25-15 run to end the first half, Carolina owned a 38-25 lead at the break.
Alabama's nightmarish first half continued into the second period, as the Tide turned the ball over 13 times and shot only 39 percent from the field. Carolina continued to shoot the ball well in the second period, while capitalizing on several second-chance point opportunities.
"The reality of this game was that South Carolina ran well, shot well and defended well," Moody said. "They played the game that you should play, Alabama did not."
Dee Merriweather was the only other Tide player to score in double-figures. Merriweather accounted for 10 points on 5 of 6 shooting from the field. She was a force beneath the basket as well, pulling down eight rebounds and blocking two shots.
Five Gamecocks scored in double-figures on the night. Freshman forward Iva Sliskovic scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, both game highs. Sarah Burgess chipped in 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting from the field, and 3 of 4 from three-point territory. Cristina Ciocan scored 12 points, while Olga Gritsaeva and Kelly Morrone each contributed 11.
The Tide returns home on Sunday, Feb. 15, to face the Arkansas Razorbacks. The game is set to tip-off at 2 p.m. and can be seen locally on Fox Sports Net. In addition, members of the 1994 women's squad will be introduced in a pre-game ceremony. Ten years ago, Rick Moody and the Tide cruised to a 26-7 record and advanced to the Final Four of the 1994 NCAA Tournament.
