HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Sarah Ashlee Barker showcased an impressive performance with 19 points, while Zaay Green contributed 14, leading No. 24 Alabama to a commanding 84-59 victory over Alabama A&M on Thursday evening.

Barker finished the game shooting an impressive 9-of-11 from the field and grabbed seven rebounds for the Crimson Tide, who improved their record to 2-0. In addition to her scoring, Green controlled several aspects of the game with six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, going up against her former coach at Arkansas Pine Bluff, Dawn E. Thornton, who is starting her tenure with the Bulldogs this season. Aaliyah Nye also made her mark on the score sheet, adding 12 points to the team’s total.

Kaila Walker was the standout player for Alabama A&M with 13 points. The first half saw Barker and Green dominate, combining for 25 points and helping the Crimson Tide establish a significant lead of 46-25 at halftime. Alabama demonstrated their offensive efficiency, converting 12 out of 16 attempts in the second quarter, while their opponents struggled, making only 4 of 17 attempts during the same period. Green played a pivotal role during a 13-0 run, scoring six of those points, which extended Alabama’s lead to 39-19 with just over three minutes left in the half.

In the fourth quarter, Alabama experienced some struggles, going 5 of 16, yet still managed a strong shooting percentage of 56.5% overall, hitting 35 of 62 shots and 8 of 15 from beyond the arc. Conversely, Alabama A&M had difficulty finding their rhythm, shooting only 34% from the field, making 19 of 56 attempts.

This marked Alabama’s second consecutive victory and was particularly notable as it represents their first ranking in the polls since 1999.