Friday, November 24, 2023

Alabama women's basketball secures upset victory over #20/15 Louisville

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

KATY, TEXAS (November 24, 2023) In a nail-biting clash at the Betty Chancellor Classic, the Alabama women's basketball team emerged triumphant with a stunning 78-73 upset over the No. 20/15 Louisville Cardinals. The Crimson Tide, now boasting an unblemished 6-0 record for the season, displayed resilience and tenacity throughout the game.

Guard Aaliyah Nye scored seven pivotal points in the final 30 seconds, including a game-changing three-pointer with just 27 seconds left on the clock. Nye's perfect free throw shooting in the game's closing moments sealed the deal for Alabama, maintaining their flawless free throw record of 6-6 down the stretch.

Sarah Ashlee Barker led the charge with an impressive 18 points and seven rebounds, steering the Tide to victory before fouling out with 1:27 left in regulation. Nye, along with Jessica Timmons, Karly Weathers, and Loyal McQueen, all reached double figures, combining for all but nine of Alabama's 78 points.

This victory marks Alabama's first win over an Associated Press Top-25 team since the 2021-22 season, breaking the dry spell with an upset reminiscent of their triumph over then-No. 12/8 Tennessee in February 2022.

Barker and Timmons led the Tide in rebounding, while McQueen contributed with a team-leading four assists. Karly Weathers, coming off the bench, ignited the first half with 11 points, shooting a flawless 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Alabama's next challenge looms large as they gear up to face Gonzaga in the second game of the tournament at 1:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, November 25.

No comments: