Alabama Women's Basketball Triumphs Over Missouri In SEC Tournament

In the opening round of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, Alabama delivered a commanding 65-48 victory over the Missouri Tigers to cap off the night. The Crimson Tide's win sets the stage for a primetime showdown against the Tennessee Lady Vols on Thursday, March 5.

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Alabama came into the game eager to make a statement and snap an SEC tournament losing streak, and they asserted control early, finishing the first quarter with a 13-9 lead. Missouri struggled on the offensive end, shooting just 25% in the first half. Alabama took advantage of Missouri's struggles, heading into halftime with a 31-20 advantage.

Three of Alabama's five starters either scored in double digits or approached it by halftime, with Essence Cody leading with 10 points, supported by Ta'Mia Scott and Diana Collins with eight points apiece.

Missouri threatened a comeback in the third quarter, narrowing Alabama's lead to 41-37. However, freshman Ace Austin came alive in the fourth quarter, starting the quarter with a 9-0 run, shooting 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, scoring all 14 of her points, and hitting four 3-pointers during a 12-2 run that sealed the game for the Crimson Tide.

Jordana Reisma led Missouri with 15 points, while standout guard Grace Slaughter posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to stop the Crimson Tide.

Alabama's victory marks its first SEC tournament win since 2022. The Crimson Tide will now face the Lady Vols in the second round of the SEC tournament at 7:30 CT on the SEC Network.