Tide Women?s Basketball Stumbles Against Georgia
2/5/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Sunday, February 05, 2006
BOX SCOREATHENS, Ga. ?? Navonda Moore scored 23 points and hauled in 12 rebounds Sunday for Alabama, but it wasn't enough as the No. 14-ranked Georgia Lady Bulldog basketball team defeated the Crimson Tide 84-59.
The Lady Bulldogs went on an 18-0 run over a 5:00 span midway through the opening half to build a 25-4 lead. Alabama played even with Georgia the rest of the way but cold never pull back within 15 points the rest of the way, and the Bulldogs cruised to the win.
Alabama (8-14, 2-7) was plagued by a season-high 35 turnovers in the game, a new season high, and was outscored 45-6 in points-off-turnovers.
"Obviously, I was disappointed in a how we took care of the ball today," Alabama head coach Stephany Smith said. "Anytime you have as many turnovers as we did it is going to be tough to win. Against a great team like Georgia we have no chance with 35 turnovers."
Despite not protecting the ball well as a team, Moore turned in a career day. Her 23 points and 12 rebounds was her second double-double of the season and it was her 21st career double-digit scoring effort. Her 12 rebounds also established a new career high. Over the last three games, Moore is averaging an outstanding 22.3 points per game.
"Navonda got off to a really slow start today," Smith said, "but I was pleased with how she played in the second half. She has been very aggressive in the last three games."
Dee Merriweather turned in another fine defensive effort and moved into second place all-time at Alabama in career blocked shots with 127. She picked up four blocks on Sunday to move into second place. Merriweather also added 10 rebounds and nine points. Lauren Hill also contributed 10 points on the afternoon.
Alabama actually out-shot and out-rebound Georgia in the game. The Tide shot 46 percent from the field compared to Georgia's 41 percent. However, Alabama's 35 turnovers allowed the Bulldogs to take 27 more shots in the game. With the help of Merriweather inside, Alabama out-rebounded its opponent 39-36.
Next up for Alabama will the Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday in Tuscaloosa at 7 p.m.
