Women's Basketball Loses At Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. – The Alabama women’s basketball team was unable to overcome offensive struggles in the first half, falling 70-53 at Auburn on Sunday at Auburn Arena. With the loss, the Crimson Tide dips to 12-13 overall and 2-10 in the Southeastern Conference while the Tigers improve to 14-11 on the season and 3-9 in the league.

“We had some really good looks at the basket, especially early, but we didn’t make them,” said Alabama Coach Wendell Hudson. “Once the shots weren’t falling, we didn’t play as well. We have to tip our hats to Auburn. They shot the ball real well and came out ready to play.”

Sophomore Daisha Simmons led Alabama in scoring with 19 points while senior Meghan Perkins added another 11 for the Tide. Simmons also collected a team-high six rebounds, four steals and two assists. Auburn was led by senior Blanche Alverson, who had 22 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal.

Auburn would strike first as Alverson knocked down a three-pointer within the first minute of the game, giving the Tigers the lead, which they would hold for the duration of the contest. Auburn went on to lead by six early on before Alabama cut it to one at 13:43 after scoring five-straight points. From there, however, the Tigers strung together a 21-3 run over the next eight minutes to pull in front by 19. Auburn would lead 41-18 at the half behind a 52.9 percent shooting effort.

The Tigers scored the first five points of the second half before sophomore Brittany Jack connected from three-point range to end Auburn’s run. Alabama would cut the Tiger lead down to 17 but could not get any closer for the remainder of the contest.

For the game, Auburn shot 47.3 percent (26-55) while Alabama finished at 32.8 percent (19-58). The Tigers out-rebounded the Tide, 44-33, and had 28 points in the paint compared to Alabama’s 14.

Next up, the Tide heads to Starkville, Miss., to take on the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs on Thursday, Feb. 21. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT.