Defense First: Alabama Women Force 23 Turnovers En Route to Mercer Win

The Crimson Tide captured its third consecutive win with the 36-point road victory, 88-52.

Author:
Joe Schatz
Updated:
Nov 30, 2022 10:44 PM EST
Original:
Nov 30, 2022

In this story:

The Alabama Crimson Tide women's basketball team had four players hit double-digits Wednesday night while winning on the road at Mercer, 88-52.

But it was at the other end of the court where the Crimson Tide really stood out.

Utilizing it full-court press, Alabama came off forcing a season-high 24 turnovers against Gardner-Webb, and nearly matched that number against the Bears. Mercer turned the ball over around a third of the time it had the ball, a total of 23 times, which lead to Alabama scoring 28 points off those opportunities.

"I love who we are trying to be," Crimson Tide head coach Kristy Curry said. "We've been asking them to do the little things better, understanding and scouting tendencies. I thought we did a much better job tonight."

The defense did allow the Bears to get a couple easy baskets, but by forcing the issue defensively, the Crimson Tide limited the number of possessions Mercer had, and it made a clear difference. Alabama held the Bears to under one point per possession (.732).

The defense also created an avenue for the Crimson Tide to run a more face-paced offense, something Curry has been wanting from this team. Alabama outscored Mercer 20-2 on fast-break points, and had 19 more layups.

The offense was lead by Aaliyah Nye, who had 17 points, including five 3 -pointers. The junior set a season high in points.

"Every time she shoots it, I think it's going in," Curry said.

The win also showed just how deep the Crimson Tide is this season.

Nye's performance highlighted a team effort, with four players reaching the double- digit point mark. Nye, along with Megan Abrams, Hannah Barber, and Brittany Davis all put up solid numbers, with Abrams and Davis scoring 14 and Barber with 11.

"I think that shows that you can't just take her [Davis] out of the game, like maybe in the past. We have such great balance...Megan's been playing the best basketball out of everybody," Curry added. "When Brittany's not having the best night, we have so many people that can step up."

A big difference from a year ago is that there's more of a focus on what everyone's roles are, especially when Davis is not at her best. That was a problem at times in the past, as it sometimes seemed like the offense ran through Davis and her alone.

The deeper 2022-23 Crimson Tide is already confident that everybody in the lineup can score if need be.

Alabama hopes to continue this hot stretch when it faces Chattanooga on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, as it begins the back half on non-conference play.