Alabama
4-1
Grambling State
1-4
Copeland and Walker Shine as Alabama Moves Past Grambling State, 73-55
11/23/2018 5:31:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Junior Jasmine Walker scored a career-high 24 points and sophomore Ariyah Copeland notched her second career double-double
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Behind huge performances from junior Jasmine Walker and sophomore Ariyah Copeland, the Alabama women's basketball team won its third straight game after defeating Grambling State 73-55 on Friday afternoon inside Coleman Coliseum.
"I'm proud of these kids for their response in the second half," head coach Kristy Curry said. "I did not think we were ready to go from the tip and I felt like I saw it coming, but I just loved our response in the second half. I thought Jasmine (Walker) and Ariyah (Copeland) were just incredible, and I am proud of those two for giving us some energy when we needed it. I thought Taylor Berry came in and gave us some energy. She's practiced really well the past few days and I think today those three really helped our team when we needed it the most."
Walker led the way offensively for Alabama, dropping in a career-high 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting to go along with nine rebounds. Copeland also had a career-high in points after registering her second career double-double, scoring 18 points on 7-of-7 shooting and grabbing 14 boards. Junior Cierra Johnson also pitched in 11 points.
Grambling State got out to a hot start and jumped in front 15-3 with 5:17 to go in the first. A three-pointer by Walker with two seconds remaining in the period capped off an 11-4 Alabama run to end the quarter. The Lady Tigers held the 19-14 lead entering the second.
The Tide scored seven unanswered points to open the second quarter and moved out in front 21-19 with 8:25 remaining in the quarter. Both teams exchanged baskets for the remainder of the period and Alabama led 33-31 at the halftime break.
With Alabama holding a slim 37-35 advantage with 7:17 remaining in the third, the Tide embarked on a 12-2 scoring run to extend its lead to 49-37 with 3:01 to play in the frame. At the end of the third period, Alabama was out in front by a score of 53-41.
Alabama opened the fourth quarter with two quick scores to take its largest lead of the afternoon at 57-41 with 7:48 to play in the game. The Crimson Tide maintained its advantage to claim a 73-55 win.
The Crimson Tide outrebounded Grambling State 44-29, including 12 offensive boards. The Alabama bench provided a spark offensively, chipping in 29 points, compared to just four bench points from the Lady Tigers' reserves. UA limited Grambling State to just 33 percent (19-of-58) shooting while making 48 percent (27-of-56) of its attempts from the floor.
The Tide will return to action on Tuesday, Nov. 27 when it takes on Stetson. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT inside Coleman Coliseum and will be broadcast on SEC Network +.
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