Alabama women’s basketball improved to 12-2 with a 62-45 win over LSU as Alabama won its first SEC opener since 2008.
“We want to win the next game,” said Alabama head coach Kristy Curry in a press release. “It’s great to get off to this start [and] defend our home court. You have to do that in this league to be successful.”
Alabama has now won two games since its return from Christmas break. The Crimson Tide also beat Lipscomb at home 68-49 on Dec. 28. Alabama remains unbeaten at home this season after defeating LSU in Tuscaloosa.
After scoring 31 points off 21 turnovers against Lipscomb, Alabama excelled on defense against LSU as well. The Crimson Tide forced 25 turnovers which led to 24 points.
Alabama got off to a slow start shooting 4-11 from the field, being held 4-11. LSU shot 7-11 in the opening quarter, and led Alabama 14-11 at the end of the first quarter.
The Crimson Tide’s first lead came in the middle of 7-0 run to close out the half, leading 29-26.
Alabama started the second half scoring five straight points, but Alabama didn’t take its first double-digit lead of the game, 50-39 until less than seven minutes remained in the game. Alabama used a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter to end the game with a 17-point victory.
Alabama used a career night from sophomore Meoshonti Knight to seal the victory. Knight scored 17 points in the game, her most against a conference opponent. Sophomore Karyla Middlebrook also scored in double digits, tallying 10 points in the win. Senior Nikki Hegstetter lead the team in rebounds, grabbing 6 boards.
Alabama will face Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky on Jan 7.