The Alabama women’s basketball team won its first game of the SEC tournament 74-57 against Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide improves to 14-16 (5-11 SEC), while the Commodores fall to 7-23 (2-14 SEC).

Alabama was led by senior Shaquera Wade, who scored a career-high 26 points shooting 9-of-17 from the field. Wade scored her 1,000th point, along with grabbing nine rebounds. Following her was sophomore Jasmine Walker with 22 points going 3-of-3 from behind the arc. Junior Cierra Johnson earned her third double-double in the last four games tallying 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Sophomore Ariyah Copeland had 10 points and three blocks.

The Crimson Tide never trailed throughout the game, jumping out to a 16-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. By the third quarter, Alabama had led by as many as 20 points. During the fourth quarter, the Crimson Tide controlled the clock and secured the win.

Alabama shot 28-of-52 for 53 percent from the field, while Vanderbilt shot 24-of-65 for 36 percent. The Crimson Tide outrebounded the Commodores 39-31. Alabama dominated in the paint 42-28 over Vanderbilt.

Alabama is back in action tomorrow against Auburn in the second round of the SEC tournament. Tipoff is slated for 8:30 p.m.