Women's Basketball set to take on Alabama State
12/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 3, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The women's basketball team (4-3) returns to the hardwood Friday when it travels to Montgomery, Ala. to take on Alabama State (2-4). Tipoff is slated for 6:00 p.m. (CST) in the ASU Acadome.
"We're still trying to develop this team, from our starters to our bench players, and have got to keep working on ourselves," said head coach Wendell Hudson. "This is important now so that when we get into Southeastern Conference play, we can put ourselves in better situations. We are preparing this team to be as successful as it can be in the long run. This stretch of road and neutral site games has really been beneficial to this team. We've gotten a good amount of effort each time out, but still need to clean up some of the small things."
The Crimson Tide enters Friday's tilt with a 0-2 record in road games, with both being decided in overtime. Last time out, Alabama dropped a 64-55 decision to Illinois in San Luis Obispo, Calif. at the Courtyard by Marriott Holiday Beach Classic. Freshman Ericka Russell led three Tide players in double-figure points with 14 in the contest.
On the season, junior Varisia Raffington leads Alabama in points with an average 13.7 per game, while junior Tierney Jenkins is the Tide's leading rebounder with 13.0 boards per outing. Junior LaToya King has 30 assists thus far to pace the Alabama ball handlers with senior Dedrea Magee close behind with 26 of her own.
Alabama State was on a four-game losing streak before picking up a 58-54 win Wednesday night against North Florida. Junior Tanika Jackson led the Hornets with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, while sophomore Tandria Milton added another 12 points.
Jackson currently leads Alabama State in scoring and rebounding with season averages of 8.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. Sophomore Ja'Kayla Hill has been the Hornet's leader in assists with 2.6 per game, while senior Shanice Merritt has had 12 of Alabama State's 19 blocks for an average of 2.4 per game.
Radio will be available for Friday's game on the Crimson Tide Sports Network or online by clicking here.
