OXFORD, Miss. — Trailing by one with 36 seconds to go, junior Shaquera Wade converted on a layup after a timely steal and sophomore Jordan Lewis followed with a pair of free throws moments later to seal the 82-79 victory for Alabama (15-10, 5-7 SEC) at Ole Miss (11-14, 1-11 SEC) on Sunday. The contest kicked off Play4Kay Week in women’s basketball where teams wear pink to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer.
“What a great game,” said Alabama head coach Kristy Curry. “Credit a great crowd on their Play4Kay day and what the pink represents. On a day like today, the win is small compared to what some people battle every day. I thought both teams really competed the way you should compete, especially in one today and what the game is about.
“We were fortunate to get one more stop. I thought both teams showed incredible toughness and character. I’m just really proud of my team today. They continue to battle. We’ve had some crazy things happen and things that just don’t go our way, but like I tell them, you have to make your luck, and today, I thought our kids just stayed the course and showed tremendous grit and character down the stretch.”
Lewis finished with a career-high 23 points, converting 11-of-13 from the free throw line, along with a game-high seven rebounds and game-best three steals. The Crimson Tide’s four other starters also had double-digit points in the win as senior Quanetria Bolton ended with 16, senior Hannah Cook with 15, senior Ashley Williams with 11 and Wade with 10.
For the Rebels, junior Torri Lewis led the way with 26 points, 21 of which came from beyond the arc, while sophomore Shelby Gibson added 20.
Alabama continues its road swing with Thursday’s game at Tennessee. Tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
