Crimson Tide Drops SEC Game to Ole Miss
2/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Thursday, February 09, 2006
BOX SCORETUSCALOOSA ?? Despite holding an edge or being nearly even with Ole Miss in nearly every statistical category, the Lady Rebels dominated in two key statistics, providing them with the edge necessary to win a 77-67 decision over Alabama in Coleman Coliseum tonight.
"I thought for the most part it was a hard fought game," head coach Stephany Smith said. "The first 10 minutes we didn't do a good job on offense. We just didn't deliver the ball the way we needed too."
The Crimson Tide outshot Ole Miss, 40.7 percent to 37.7 percent and finished within three rebounds, one three-point shot and one free throw of the Lady Rebels. But Ole Miss dominated in two key categories, on the offensive boards and in the turnover column, which made all the difference in an otherwise evenly matched contest.
Ole Miss (13-10, 3-7), the SEC's best offensive rebounding team, corralled 25 in tonight's game to Alabama's 18, giving them several second-chance opportunities while forcing the Tide defense to play for extended stretches in the second half.
"Giving up 25 offensive rebounds won't give you much opportunity for success," Smith said.
The Tide (8-15, 2-8) found itself on the short side in the turnover column as well, in what has been a recurring issue for the Alabama team this season. The Tide committed 20 in tonight's game to Mississippi's 12. It marked the 16th time in 23 games with 20 or more turnovers for Alabama.
Ole Miss jumped out ahead early in the game and built a 12-point lead on the strength of a 17-0 run early in the first half. The Tide clawed back though and went into the locker room holding a one-point advantage. Ole Miss regained the lead early in the second half and held on despite several Alabama runs.
Hindering Alabama's ability to get back over the hump was its inability to convert at the free-throw line. The Tide hit on just 54.8 percent (17-of-31) on the night, but was able to stay close because Ole Miss suffered under the same liability. The Lady Rebels converted just 18-of-31 for a slightly better 58.1 percent from the charity stripe.
Despite the loss, several Tide players turned in spectacular outings.
Harriet Barnes tied a career mark with 14 rebounds and tallied her third career double-double with 11 points. Barnes added a blocked shot to the Alabama defensive efforts.
Dee Merriweather notched her eighth career double-double and the third of her senior campaign with 13 points and 10 boards. Merriweather, who became Alabama's second-best shot blocker in Sunday's loss at Georgia, added three more to her total in tonight's contest.
The offensive star, however, for the fourth game in a row, was junior Navonda Moore. Moore scored 19 points, a team-high and her fourth straight game in double figures in the scoring column. Moore drained three treys and had a block and a steal to go with her offensive heroics.
"She really has (stepped up her game)," Smith said. "Navonda is probably the one player on this team that athletically that has a lot of different tools. She really has found her rhythm the last 2-3 weeks."
Carla Bartee had 19 points and Ashley Awkward had 18 to lead the Lady Rebels. The Tide did a good job against Ole Miss star guard Armintie Price. Price, who entered the game averaging a double-double, scored 15 points but pulled down only three rebounds in the game.
Alabama will complete its scheduled games against teams from the state of Mississippi on Sunday when the Tide will travel to Starkville, Miss., to face Mississippi State. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
