Tide Women Cap Off Furious Comeback With Overtime Win
1/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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TUSCALOOSA - Despite trailing by double-digits in the second half while shooting just over 25 percent for the game, the Alabama Crimson Tide capitalized on Kentucky's cold second-half shooting and poor ball control to claim a 69-63 overtime victory at Coleman Coliseum on Sunday afternoon in its Southeastern Conference opener.
The win improves the Tide's record to 10-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play. It is the second straight win for head coach Rick Moody in the conference opener. Kentucky falls to 11-5 on the season and 0-1 in the SEC.
Trailing 57-54 with three seconds remaining in regulation, Marverly Nettles hauled down a missed UK free throw, dribbled to nearly half-court and heaved a desperation buzzer-beating shot, only to be fouled by the Wildcat's Sara Potts. Nettles calmly stepped to the line and connected on all three foul shots, propelling the Tide, which had trailed Kentucky by as many as 11 points, into an extra frame.
In the overtime period, much like the end of the second half, Alabama relied on successful free throw shooting, as well an offensive rebounding advantage, to put Kentucky away for good.
Alabama struggled to find an offensive rhythm in either half, connecting on only eight first half and nine second half shots. However, the Crimson Tide protected the basketball well, committing only six first half turnovers. The Wildcats' shooting also suffered throughout the game. Kentucky shot 37 percent in the first half and just over 30 percent in the second. At the half, the Tide trailed 29-21.
"I've never had a team struggle the way we struggled today shooting the basketball and winning the game by rebounding the ball on the offensive glass," Moody said. "Now that we are in the conference, we are in games where we know our opponents and they know us. That kind of leads to ugly games."
The second half was much of the same for both teams. Kentucky expounded on their small halftime lead to take an 11-point advantage at the 15 minute mark, and a 10-point lead midway through the half. That's when Nettles took control. Her seven point run late in the half erased the Wildcat advantage and put the Tide on top for the first time since the 5:43 mark in the first half.
Kentucky continued to keep the game close, retaking the lead thanks to Sara Potts and Samantha Mahoney. The pair combined for 11 points in the final four minutes to give the Wildcats a narrow lead, which was wiped out by Nettle's long-distance try.
Nettles, who was celebrating her 21st birthday on Sunday, led the Tide with 20 points on 6 of 18 shooting from the field. Monique Bivins contributed 13 points and Dee Merriweather added 11. Merriweather's most impressive contribution was on the glass, pulling down 17 total rebounds, including 11 on the offensive side of the ball.
Samantha Mahoney finished with 21 points to lead the UK offense.
Next up for the Crimson Tide is a trip to Starkville, Miss., to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Thursday, Jan. 13. The game is set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. at the Humphrey Coliseum.
PHOTO GALLERY
Natasha Gamble gets fired up during introductions.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Natasha Gamble lays the ball up.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Krystle Johnson fights for a rebound.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Lateefah Joye moves the ball upfield.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Dee Merriweather fights for the tipoff.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Dee Merriweather blocks a Kentucky shot.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Dee Merriweather puts the ball up in traffic.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Quentin Hillsman confers with Coach Rick Moody during the action.
(Photo by Jeff Hanson)
Coach Rick Moody sets up the next play during a timeout.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Marverly Nettles drives the ball down the lane.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Marverly Nettles celebrates a huge Crimson Tide victory.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)
