Alabama Women's Basketball Knocked out of SEC Tournament by Kentucky 71-58

Despite leading for most of the game, the Crimson Tide could not handle the reigning champions and failed to reach the quarterfinals.

Author:
Joe Schatz
Updated:
Mar 2, 2023 11:17 PM EST
Original:
Mar 2, 2023

Despite entering the fourth quarter with a small lead, things fell apart in the final frame as the Alabama women's basketball team was quickly eliminated from the SEC Tournament with 71-58 loss to 14-seed Kentucky on Thursday night.

The final quarter saw Kentucky outscore Alabama 27-13.

The Wildcats were led by Jada Walker and Maddie Scherr. Walker had a career high 24 points along with seven assists, while Scherr scored 19 points with six blocks.

Alabama had a strong performance from Aaliyah Nye, who had 15 points, but no other Alabama player was in double-digits as the team struggled to find consistency on offense. Season scoring leader Brittany Davis was held to just nine points on 25 percent shooting, and it showed how limited the Crimson Tide's offense was without the leading scorer playing well.

While Alabama had a bad offensive night, 19 turnovers forced by Kentucky only added to the struggle. The Wildcats were able to pressure the Crimson Tide and force a lot of miscues and bad shots, while getting really good offensive looks off of the turnovers.

"We missed way too many looks at the rim," head coach Kristy Curry said after the game. "You can't turn the ball over and you have to make free throws, credit to Kentucky."

Despite the early exit, Alabama has a decent chance to still make the NCAA Tournament. But the four-game losing streak obviously won't help as all eyes turn to Selection Sunday.

How it Happened:

Fourth Quarter:

Final Score:

Alabama down 11 with 30 seconds left. Looking like their fourth loss in a row.

With three minutes left, Alabama trails by nine. Kentucky is starting to pull away.

Just under five minutes left. Alabama trails 56-51. Whenever Alabama makes a shot, Kentucky has responded.

Alabama timeout with seven minutes left. The Wildcats lead 48-45. Jada Walker leads all scorers with 24 points for Kentucky.

Both teams have not been able to find the bottom of the net. Sarah Ashlee Barker has had some nice blocks on the defensive end.

Third Quarter:

At the end of the third quarter:

After Kentucky tied it up. Nye makes another three to push her point total to 15 on the night. 43-40 with 1:39 left.

Media Timeout with 3:53 left in the quarter. Alabama leads 40-36. The Crimson Tide is struggling to stop Jada Walker for Kentucky. She has 18 points to lead all scorers.

Nye up to 12 points, Alabama leads it 36-31 with five minutes left.

Aaliyah Nye gets Alabama on the board with a tough layup. 34-26 with eight minutes left.

Second Quarter:

At the half:

1:30 left in the half. Alabama still leads, 32-26. After making their first six shots, the Crimson Tide are just 7-23

At the media timeout, Alabama leads 24-21. Both teams shooting poorly in the quarter. Alabama is just one for their last seven, and Kentucky has gone nearly three minutes without a basket.