Alabama
11-1,0-0SEC
Michigan State
11-1,1-0Big Ten
No. RV/24 Alabama Upsets No. 15/17 Michigan State 82-67 in West Palm Beach Classic
12/20/2024 6:56:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Crimson Tide captured a double-digit victory over the previously undefeated Spartans
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - All five starters scored in double figures to lift the No. RV/24 Alabama women's basketball team past No. 15/17 Michigan State, 82-67, Friday afternoon in the opening game of the West Palm Beach Classic. The Crimson Tide (11-1) captured its first win over a top 25 opponent this season with the double-digit victory over the previously undefeated Spartans (10-1).
Holding a two-point lead at halftime (32-30), Alabama came out on fire in the third quarter, outsourcing Michigan State 31-11 and held on for the victory.
The Tide's starting five combined to score 74 of the team's 82 points, led by Aaliyah Nye's 18 and Zaay Green's 17. Essence Cody (16), Karly Weathers (12) and Sarah Ashlee Barker (11) also reached double digits in the 16-point win.
Michigan State was led by Julia Ayrault with 18 points, while Grace Vanslooten finished with a team-leading nine boards.
Head Coach Kristy Curry Comments
"We challenged the team at halftime. We had to take care of the basketball because we had way too many turnovers. We weren't being aggressive and I thought our team really got the message at the half. We did a much better job at coming out and playing with our personality and not letting anyone dictate who we are. I'm so proud of our team in the third and the fourth [quarters]. I thought we did a much better job in the second half. We showed a lot of toughness and grit today and that's the bottom line."
Game Notes
- The Crimson Tide's 31-point third quarter is tied for its second-most points in any quarter this season
- The Tide finished the game with 20 assists on 28 made shots, led by Karly Weathers eight dimes compared to just two turnovers
- Weathers set a new career high in assists and tied her season-best in scoring to lead UA to the win
- Alabama's frontcourt was dominant throughout the contest, outrebounding the Spartans 40-33, led by Essence Cody's eight boards, and owning a 36-30 edge in points in the paint
- Both teams had 10 offensive rebounds, however, the Crimson Tide made the most of its second chances, posting 16 second chance points compared to Michigan State's two
- UA's three-point shooting was impressive throughout the game, finishing the contest by knocking down 9-21 from beyond the arc (43 percent)
- The first half featured eight lead changes between the Crimson Tide and Spartans, but UA retook the lead with 39 seconds left in the second quarter and never trailed again
- Alabama shot 48 percent from the floor (28-for-58), 43 percent from deep (9-for-21) and 74 percent from the line (17-for-23)
- In comparison, Michigan State shot 38 percent from the field (23-for-61), 23 percent from range (3-for-13) and 78 percent from the charity stripe (18-for-23)
How It Happened
- Strong defense from both teams set the pace early as the two squads combined for six points at the first media timeout
- The Crimson Tide closed the first quarter on a 7-4 to claim a one-point lead (9-8)
- Alabama found its offensive footing opening the second quarter as a Diana Collins made layup opened the scoring, followed by back-to-back threes from Aaliyah Nye
- Michigan State answered back, taking a 6-0 run to the second-quarter media timeout
- UA closed the half 3-3 from the floor while holding the Spartans scoreless for the final 3:12 of the quarter, taking a two-point lead to the locker room (32-30)
- Alabama opened the third frame on a 6-2 run, led by Aaliyah Nye
- The game of runs continued as the Tide went on a 14-0 run into the second media timeout of the third quarter
- UA finished the third quarter with a strong defensive showing, holding Michigan State to 11 points and a 22-point lead
- The Spartans battled back to open the fourth, forcing five turnovers from Alabama as the Tide's lead was cut to 13 points
- Over the final four minutes of action, the Crimson Tide outscored Michigan State 11-8 to close the game
Up Next
- Alabama will take on Richmond in the championship game of the West Palm Beach Classic on Saturday
- The contest can be seen on Baller TV with tip time coming at 12:15 p.m. CT (1:15 p.m. ET)
