Alabama forward Essence Cody returned from a three-game absence on Sunday, helping the Crimson Tide to an 85-78 win over Mississippi State.
Cody sustained a lower-body injury early this month during the game against Kentucky. In addition to her injury, Cody has also been battling “flu-like symptoms,” according to head coach Kristy Curry.
Her presence at 6 feet, 4 inches tall added some needed size and experience in the paint as Alabama worked her back into game action.
Without her on the court, Alabama’s starting lineup has been limited to an average height of 5 feet, 11 inches, which has proven detrimental when facing off against teams such as Tennessee.
During her 15 minutes of playing time, Cody added 5 points to the board, shot 100% from the field and grabbed two total rebounds.
“You’ve got to start somewhere, you gotta go through it to get to it, and she went through it today,” Curry said.
Forward Naomi Jones has stepped up and seen significantly more action since Cody’s injury, with a season-high playing time of 31 minutes in the Tennessee game.
In the Tennessee game, with Cody missing, Jones was able to make 11 rebounds, another season high for her.
“Naomi has done a tremendous job filling her shoes,” guard Karly Weather said.
Before her injury, Cody had a season average of 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Historically, Cody has been a significant part of Alabama’s team with her strong on-court presence, and she has been one of the top scorers in the paint for the Crimson Tide since her freshman year.
“I really credit her for being tough and coming out there today and trying to do everything she could to help her team,” Curry said.
