Alabama
4-0
Georgia Southern University
2-3
Ashley Williams’ Double-Double Pushes Alabama Women’s Basketball Past Georgia Southern, 66-48
11/22/2016 10:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Crimson Tide overcomes halftime deficit and outscores Eagles 42-23 in the second half for the win
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Junior Ashley Williams recorded the 10th double-double of her career with 19 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Alabama women's basketball team to a 66-48 victory over Georgia Southern on Tuesday evening in Coleman Coliseum. With the win, the Crimson Tide moves to 4-0 on the season, while the loss drops the Eagles to 2-3 overall.
"It certainly wasn't pretty, but to be able to stay the course and stay together and find a way to win ugly certainly counts," said Alabama head coach Kristy Curry. "I think you can learn so much each night, but I thought tonight was really good for us."
Joining Williams in double-figure points were fellow juniors Hannah Cook and Meoshonti Knight, who finished with 17 and 14, respectively. Sophomore Shaquera Wade tied her career high in rebounds with 11 and also added four assists, one block and a steal. Georgia Southern was led in scoring by senior Patrice Butler with 17 points. Junior Sierra Butler had a team-best nine boards for the Eagles.
Alabama struggled offensively in the first half, hitting only 24.2 percent (8-33) from the field, which allowed Georgia Southern to push ahead and lead by one, 25-24, at the half.
The Tide's veteran leaders made a statement coming out of the locker room and scored all 21 of Alabama's third quarter points, led by Meoshonti Knight, who finished the frame with eight points, hitting all of her attempts.
In the fourth, the Tide pulled away midway through the quarter, taking its first double-digit lead of the game following a jumper by Knight. Alabama went on to score nine of the final 11 points in the contest for the victory.
"We had some adversity," added Curry. "To end up getting an 18-point win is a positive, so we will learn and grow. I'm just really thankful for the experience. I thought it was really good for us tonight."
As a team, the Tide finished 24-67 from the floor, good for 35.8 percent, while the Eagles fared slightly better at 39.2 percent (20-51). Once again, Alabama won the battle of the boards, outrebounding Georgia Southern 49-32.
Next up, the Tide hosts Alabama A&M on Sunday, Nov. 27. Opening tip is slated for 2 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum.
For all the latest information on the team, follow AlabamaWBB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can be found @UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.
