Alabama
1-0
Southeastern Louisiana
0-1
Five Crimson Tide Players Register Double Figures in 88-40 Opening Win Over Southeastern Louisiana
11/7/2018 10:27:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Senior Shaquera Wade had 20 points, while Jasmine Walker earned her first career double-double in the victory
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Five Alabama women's basketball players scored in double figures en route to its 88-40 victory over Southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday night inside Coleman Coliseum.
"We are just trying to get better every day," head coach Kristy Curry said. "There are a lot of good things to build on tonight and I don't think we are satisfied. I loved how our team started the game and I thought we carried that intensity throughout the second quarter. That's a team (Southeastern Louisiana) that I really feel like is going to have a great season in their league. They returned four of five starters and are well-coached. We were consistent and really put them on their heels tonight."
Senior Shaquera Wade led the way for UA offensively, scoring 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting, to go along with seven rebounds, while junior Jasmine Walker registered her first career double-double with 12 points and 13 boards. Freshman Allie Craig Cruce totaled 12 points and six rebounds, while fellow freshman De'Sha Benjamin added 11 points.
Junior Jordan Lewis also pitched in 10 points and three assists and sophomore Ariyah Copeland ended the game with seven points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
Alabama jumped out to a fast start, aided by a 13-0 run to take the 13-2 lead at the 3:51 mark in the opening frame. After one quarter of play, the Crimson Tide held the 21-8 advantage.
In the second quarter, the Tide used another big run to extend its lead after using a 15-0 spurt to push the score to 41-11 with just under two minutes to go before half. UA led 43-16 at the halftime break.
The Tide steadily grew its lead in the third quarter and was out in front 61-27 entering the game's final period. Alabama continued to close out the game strong by outscoring Southeastern Louisiana 27-13 in the final 10 minutes and emerged with the 88-40 win.
The Crimson Tide was dominant in the low-post, outscoring the Lady Lions 38-4 in the paint and winning the rebound battle, 59-31. Alabama made 45 percent (28-of-62) of its shots, while limiting SLU to just 19 percent (13-of-67) shooting. The Tide was efficient from the foul line, cashing in on 76 percent (25-of-33) of its free throw attempts.
Next up, Alabama will hit the road on Tuesday, Nov. 13 when it takes on Utah in Salt Lake City. The Crimson Tide and the Utes are set to tipoff at 8 p.m. CT.
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