Tide Women's Basketball Tames Gamecocks, 75-62
1/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
 |
|
TUSCALOOSA - Senior Natasha Gamble scored a team-high 14 points and was one of five Alabama players to finish with double-digits in scoring as the Crimson Tide buried the South Carolina Gamecocks, 75-62, at Coleman Coliseum on Thursday night.
The win improves the Alabama's overall record to 11-6, while evening their conference mark at 2-2. South Carolina falls to 6-12 with the loss and remains winless in Southeastern Conference play, falling to 0-4.
The Crimson Tide shot better than 45 percent from the field in the first half, paced by Dee Merriweather's dominating effort in the lane. The junior center turned in eight points and six rebounds by the halftime break, which saw the Crimson Tide on top of the Gamecocks, 39-24.
"Dee Merriweather and Natasha Gamble were really good for us around the basket," Alabama head coach Rick Moody said. "[Merriweather] continues to be a strong presence for us."
Merriweather continued to dominate the glass for the Crimson Tide in the second half, pulling down 11 more rebounds to push her final tally to 17. In addition, she shot better than 83 percent from the field on her way to an 11-point effort.
Alabama never trailed in the contest, although the game was tied twice early in the first half. The Tide's largest lead of the evening came midway through the second period, when their lead burgeoned to 19 points.
"I thought the real key for us tonight was that we went into the game with some emotion," Moody said. "I thought it would be interesting to see if we could bounce back from last Sunday and have some confidence."
Kate Mastin and Navonda Moore each chipped in 12 points for the Crimson Tide, while Monique Bivins dropped in 11 points.
South Carolina's Lauren Simms led all scorers with 21 points on nine of 17 shooting from the field.
Next up for the Crimson Tide is the first of two games against in-state rival Auburn. Alabama travels to the Plains on Sunday to face the Tigers, led by first-year head coach Nell Fortner. The game is set to tip off at 2 p.m. at the Beard-Eaves Coliseum.
PHOTO GALLERY
Monique Bivins looks for an opening against a USC defender.
(Photo by Dusty Compton)
Monique Bivins charges the lane and heads toward the basket.
(Photo by Rachael Crowley)
Natasha Gamble wrestles for a rebound.
(Photo by Dusty Compton)
Natasha Gamble works for position in the lane.
(Photo by Rachael Crowley)
Lauren Hill sets her feet and prepares to shoot.
(Photo by Rachael Crowley)
Krystle Johnson contests a USC shot.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Lateefah Joye looks for room to work.
(Photo by Dusty Compton)
Kate Mastin sets up the offense.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Dee Merriweather and Monique Bivins celebrate a basket.
(Photo by Rachael Crowley)
Coach Rick Moody shouts out instructions to his team.
(Photo by Dusty Compton)
Marverly Nettles uses a pump fake to get her defenders committed.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
The television crew from Fox Sports Net South shares a light moment.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
