Alabama Women's Hoops Rolls Middle Tennessee, 80-66
11/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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TUSCALOOSA - Natasha Gamble had 17 points and Dee Merriweather pulled down 10 rebounds as the Alabama Crimson Tide downed Middle Tennessee, 80-66, in a Monday night match-up at Coleman Coliseum.
The win improves the Tide's record to 2-0 on the young season, while the Blue Raiders fall to 1-2. It marks the first time that Alabama has been undefeated through the season's first two games since the 2002 season.
The Tide never trailed in the second period, expanding their six point halftime lead into a double digit advantage from the 18:35 mark until the end of regulation. While both teams committed more than 20 turnovers, the Crimson Tide picked up 15 steals and blocked three Blue Raider shots. Alabama shot 16 of 29 from the field in the second half, including three of five from behind the arc. Middle Tennessee missed all five of their second half three-point attempts and finished just two of 11 overall.
The Crimson Tide owned a distinct advantage on the glass, out-rebounding Middle Tennessee 47 to 27. Alabama picked up 22 offensive boards to only 8 for the Blue Raiders.
"We attacked the glass extremely hard tonight," Alabama head coach Rick Moody said. "Also, the amount of pressure that we were able to extend on them full court was effective.
Both teams struggled from the field in the first half, with Alabama connecting on just below 45 percent from field and Middle Tennessee below 35 percent. Each team committed 11 turnovers, and while Middle Tennessee picked up four steals, the Tide's hands were particularly sticky, collecting seven first period steals. Alabama jumped out to a 34-28 lead at the break.
"We made a lot of mistakes tonight," Moody said. We need the young kids to keep their heads up. It's just a different game at this level from what they are used to."
The Tide successfully avenged last year's trip to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where the Blue Raiders systematically narrowed the Crimson Tide's second half advantage, taking the Tide to overtime, where the Raiders prevailed 65-61.
"This was a great win," Moody said. "A win like this can help us start earning a little respect. Of course, we know that it takes more than just two games though to gain respect."
Gamble led all scorers, connecting on seven of 12 from the field. In all, the Tide had four players score in double-figures. Monique Bivens chipped in 14 points while Navonda Moore added 10 points to go along with six rebounds. Playing in just her second game with the Tide this season, Marverly Nettles contributed 11 points and seven steals. In her first game on Nov. 19, Nettles sank Michigan with a long jumper in overtime.
The Tide hits the road for the first time this season during the Thanksgiving holidays bound for the Pacific Coast. Alabama travels to Seattle to face Columbia in the first round of the Seattle Times Classic on Nov. 26, moving on to face either Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Washington in the second round on Nov. 27.
PHOTO GALLERY
Kate Mastin fights through traffic.
(Photo by Dusty Compton)
Kate Mastin plays tough defense and knocks the ball loose.
(Photo by Lindsay Morrison)
Monique Bivins hangs in the air as she shoots a one-hander.
(Photo by Lindsay Morrison)
Natasha Gamble swats away an attempted shot.
(Photo by Lindsay Morrison)
Dee Merriweather takes it up strong to the hoop.
(Photo by Dusty Compton)
Coach Moody shouts out instructions.
(Photo by Dusty Compton)
