Alabama Women’s Basketball Flips the Switch in Rivalry Game with Auburn

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The switch flipped for the Alabama women’s basketball team late in the second quarter.

Trailing in-state rival Auburn 29-13, Sarah Ashlee Barker finally scored her second basket of the game late in the second quarter. It sparked a 17-0 run to give the Crimson Tide a one-point halftime lead and propel them to a 66-50 win Sunday at Coleman Coliseum.

"When you get defensive stops you are going to be able to score in transition, and that's where we play out best basketball," Barker said. "We looked at each other in the media timeout and knew it was on us. We were the ones that were not playing well and did things we shouldn't have done. We had to fix it."

The No. 18 Crimson Tide (22-6, 9-5 SEC) resembled a bumbling group of rookies to start the game, going 1 of 6 on 3-pointers and 4 of 17 from the field with 11 turnovers. It was an awful way to perform on senior day. During its late first-half run, Alabama looked like a group of veteran all-stars, shooting 7 of 9 from the field, 3 of 3 on 3-pointers and forcing seven Auburn turnovers.

"One of the things I've talked about in practice is, 'How are we going to respond when things aren't going well?'" Aaliyah Nye said. "This team responded."

After the Crimson Tide found its footing, Aaliyah Nye took control. The Crimson Tide’s senior leader scored 14 of her team-leading 29 points in the second half, knocking down several big 3-pointers to keep Auburn at bay. She knocked down six of Alabama’s eight 3-pointers.

Nye's first 3-pointer set the record for most in school history, breaking Betsy Harris' record of 272. Nye now has 278.

"I haven't processed it yet," Nye said of the record. "I just thank my team and coaches for putting me in that position to get that shot. I'm thankful for the record, but it's time to keep winning."

Alabama forced 21 Auburn turnovers and made the most of them, scoring 34 points off them.

Barker had 13 points and Zaay Green had 12 for the Crimson Tide. Christabel Ezumah and Barker each had eight rebounds. Alabama's seniors were honored after the game: Nye, Barker, Green, Ezumah , Jessica Timmons and Jeanna Cunningham. Cunningham will be back next season.

Deyona Gaston led Auburn (12-14, 3-10) with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Alabama caps off its home schedule on Thursday against LSU.