Alabama
2-0
Utah
1-1
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Alabama Women’s Basketball Uses Strong Second Half to Push Past Utah, 65-60
11/13/2017 9:22:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Crimson Tide outscored the Utes, 40-30, in the second half to complete the come-from-behind win
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama women's basketball team battled back from a first half deficit to defeat Utah, 65-60, on Monday night in Coleman Coliseum.
The Crimson Tide (2-0) outscored the Utes (1-1), 40-30, in the second half to secure the victory.
"I'm really proud of our team," said Alabama head coach Kristy Curry. "I thought we showed great resiliency and toughness the second half. I thought we came out in the third quarter and played much more aggressive, and we took shots from our spots and were able to make a few to get us going and get some stops. We are all about getting to the free throw line, and I thought the second half we were the aggressor and that was the difference in the game."
Senior Meoshonti Knight led the scoring for the Tide after a stellar third quarter performance, putting up 13 of her game-high 17 points in the frame. Senior Hannah Cook finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, while junior Shaquera Wade ended with 13 points and seven rebounds. Senior Ashley Williams led all rebounders in the game with nine boards.
Trailing 30-25 entering the second half, Alabama jump started its offense by hitting six of its first eight shots, as Wade knocked down a mid-range jumper to give the Tide the 37-36 lead with 6:08 left in the third quarter.
The two teams battled back-and-forth for the rest of the period, however UA held a 48-46 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.
Alabama began the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run to extend the lead to 54-46 with 4:31 left in the game. The Utes pulled within two points in the final 27 seconds before the Tide used a key defensive stand and clutch free throws down the stretch from seniors Quanetria Bolton and Cook to put the game out of reach.
The Crimson Tide finished 75 percent (21-of-28) from the free throw line, while holding the Utes to 38 percent shooting from the field.
Alabama will return to action on Thursday Nov. 16, at 11:30 a.m. CT for the annual 5th Grade Fastbreak game against Jacksonville in Coleman Coliseum. The game will air live on SEC Network +.
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