Alabama Women’s Basketball Edges Georgia in SEC Opener

Hannah Barber is like a kind of pesky mosquitos you possibly can’t shake.

The Alabama senior guard was a pest all night time for Georgia and was an enormous distinction in Thursday’s 56-53 win at Coleman Coliseum within the Crimson Tide’s SEC opener.

Barber hit 4 clutch 3-pointers to account for all her 12 factors and she or he disrupted Georgia’s Diamond Battles within the ultimate seconds to pressure a turnover to safe the win, which shouldn’t have been that shut.

Alabama didn’t hit a area purpose within the ultimate four-and-a-half minutes and blew an eight-point lead throughout that span. However Alabama was 8 of 10 on free throws within the ultimate 5 minutes to place the sport away.

Alabama jumped out to a double-digit lead early, and simply when Georgia discovered its rhythm and seemed to be in command, there was Alabama’s Barber inflicting havoc.

3 times within the second quarter Georgia took benefit of Crimson Tide turnovers and transformed to get again inside single digits. 3 times Barber responded with an enormous 3-pointer to throw chilly water on Georgia’s momentum and stretch the Crimson Tide’s lead.

Within the second half it was Brittany Davis’ flip. The senior guard, who just lately joined the 1,000-point membership, nailed a few 3-pointers and a layup to maintain the hammer down on Georgia.

It was an excellent factor, too. Throughout Davis’ scoring burst, the Crimson Tide had points defending Georgia’s 6-foot-3 ahead Brittney Smith. She scored 3 times within the paint early within the third quarter to maintain tempo with Davis. However Alabama nonetheless led 41-27.

Alabama then bought a bit sloppy with ill-advised 3-point makes an attempt and turnovers. Georgia took benefit and reduce the result in inside single digits (41-32) for the fourth time for the reason that opening quarter.

Georgia outscored Alabama 11-3 over the past six minutes of the third quarter and the lead was down to 6 factors, 44-38.

Then that pesky Barber bought in Geogia’s face once more. She knocked down one other 3-pointer to place Alabama up 47-38.

Georgia nonetheless fought its approach to inside one level within the closing moments, capitalizing on 5 Alabama turnovers. Alabama additionally didn’t get a shot off within the final 4 minutes.

You don’t should be a genius to determine turnovers had been the important thing. Alabama dedicated 14 within the second half to Georgia’s six. The Bulldogs had 15 within the first half.

Georgia’s likelihood to tie the sport with 17 seconds left failed, and Davis grabbed the rebound on a free throw. She hit two free throws down the stretch to make it a three-point sport when Barber compelled the ultimate turnover.

Alabama (12-2, 1-0 SEC) travels to face Tennessee on Jan. 1.

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