TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Aaliyah Nye delivered an impressive performance, putting up 22 points, while Essence Cody contributed with 17 points and 13 rebounds, leading No. 22 ranked Alabama to an emphatic 72-57 victory over Georgia on Sunday.

The Crimson Tide maintained control throughout the game, building a commanding 27-point advantage by halftime. After the break, Georgia managed to make a comeback, outpacing Alabama by 12 points in the second half.

The Lady Bulldogs struggled initially, shooting only 33% in the first half. However, they found their rhythm in the third quarter, hitting 8 of 11 shots during a critical stretch, which allowed them to outscore Alabama 20-8 in that period. Nevertheless, Alabama carried a 57-42 lead into the fourth quarter, and their advantage grew to as much as 21 points following Eris Lester’s layup, making it 70-49 with three minutes left on the clock.

Asia Avinger was the standout for Georgia, scoring 15 points, while both Miyah Verse and Mia Woolfolk added 10 points each.

The game began with Alabama storming ahead, establishing a 14-2 lead within the first 4 and a half minutes. The team made five 3-pointers in the opening quarter, ending it with a dominant 26-11 scoreline. Nye was particularly effective, burying three 3-pointers for nine points during this stretch.

Nye continued to shine, sinking another 3-pointer and a jumper in the paint, which helped Alabama extend their lead to 37-15 near the four-minute mark of the second quarter.

In the closing moments of the first half, she added a layup along with two more 3-pointers, propelling Alabama to a large 49-22 lead at halftime. By the end of the first half, Nye had tallied 22 points and made six 3-pointers.

Looking ahead, Georgia will host the defending national champion and No. 2-ranked South Carolina on Thursday. Meanwhile, Alabama will be visiting Florida on the same day.