by TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The No. 20/20 Alabama women’s basketball team led for more than 40 minutes before needing overtime to hold off No. 7/7 LSU, 88-85, Thursday night in front of a raucous crowd inside Coleman Coliseum. Aaliyah Nye (28) and Sarah Ashlee Barker (21) combined to score 49 points to lead the Crimson Tide to its 23rd win of the season and 10th SEC victory.
Alabama (23-6, 10-5 SEC) was in control throughout a majority of the contest, leading for over 40 minutes compared to LSU (27-3, 12-3) who owned the lead for just 23 seconds. Despite the Crimson Tide’s effort, the Tigers clawed back from a 10-point deficit (67-57) in regulation and outscored UA 22-12 over the final 8:25 to force overtime at 79-apiece.
In the overtime, despite losing Nye and Barker who both fouled out, Alabama outscored LSU 9-6 behind Zaay Green dropping five of her 15 points in the extra period. Essence Cody also finished in double figures with 17 points on the night to go along with six boards and five blocked shots. Karly Weathers added a team-leading nine rebounds to go with three assists and two steals.
Mikaylah Williams finished with 22 points to lead LSU, while Aneesah Morrow added 16 and a team-high nine rebounds.
