TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A thrilling overtime showdown saw the No. 20-ranked Alabama women’s basketball team emerge victorious over the No. 7 LSU with a final score of 88-85 on Thursday night. A standout performance came from Aaliyah Nye, who scored an impressive 28 points for Alabama. Alongside her, Sarah Ashlee Barker contributed 21 points. Despite both players fouling out late in the game, Alabama managed to secure the win with critical plays, including a decisive block by Essence Cody in the waning moments of overtime.
Cody made a significant impact in the game, finishing with 17 points and five blocks. Her crucial block on Mikaylah Williams’ potential go-ahead layup with just four seconds on the clock was pivotal for the Crimson Tide’s win. Zaay Green also provided 15 points and clinched the victory by successfully making two final free throws. With this win, Alabama (23-6, 10-5 Southeastern Conference) has triumphantly claimed its sixth victory out of the last seven games.
For LSU, Mikaylah Williams led with 22 points, including a key jumper that tied the game at 79-all with 23 seconds remaining in regular play. Aneesah Morrow added 16 points, while Sa’Myah Smith and Miracle Sheppard contributed 15 and 10 points respectively. Despite their valiant effort, LSU fell short of extending their winning streak, which now stands at 27-3 overall and 12-3 in the conference.
One of the notable takeaways from the match was the end of Flau’Jae Johnson’s impressive record of scoring in double figures for 37 consecutive games. Her performance was limited to only six points on 2-of-12 shooting. For Alabama, Nye fouled out with 3:26 left in regulation while holding onto a narrow lead of 73-71. An additional key moment came when Barker received an intentional foul call with 31 seconds left in overtime as Alabama led 86-84, a call that infuriated coach Kristy Curry. Fortunately for Alabama, Williams managed to convert only one of two ensuing free throws.
A pivotal statistic from the game was Alabama’s nine-point run in the first quarter, a streak that helped establish a 46-35 lead by halftime. Although LSU eventually took the lead briefly in the fourth quarter, it was only for 23 seconds overall.
Both teams are set to conclude their regular seasons on Sunday, with LSU hosting Mississippi and Alabama traveling to face Oklahoma. As the season progresses, each game holds tremendous importance, and both teams will be keen to conclude on a high note.
