The Alabama women's basketball team kicked off their season with a nail-biter on Monday, eventually pulling away for an 82-73 win over a stubborn Stetson Hatters squad. What looked like a potential upset brewing at Coleman Coliseum turned into a show of resilience by the Crimson Tide, who needed a strong fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Jessica Timmons made a spectacular return to action after missing all of last season with a knee injury. She poured in 21 points to lead the balanced Alabama attack that featured six players hitting double figures in scoring.
"We were in a real dogfight today," is what you could imagine Coach Kristy Curry thinking after her team led by just a single point at halftime. The actual postgame comments were more measured: "Credit to our kids for making a few plays down the stretch. We showed some grit the last few minutes defensively against a really good Stetson team."
Fourth Quarter Surge Secures Victory
The difference-maker came in the final frame when Alabama outscored Stetson 20-11. Senior Karly Weathers delivered a clutch three-pointer late that essentially sealed the deal, while also contributing seven rebounds to the winning effort.
For bettors who had Alabama covering a larger spread, this game served as a reminder that early-season college basketball can be unpredictable. Teams are still finding their rhythm, and underdogs like Stetson often come out playing with nothing to lose.
The Crimson Tide's narrow escape might cause some pause for those looking at Alabama as a heavy favorite in upcoming non-conference matchups. Their defensive execution, particularly in the first three quarters, will likely be a focus in practice this week.
Busy Week for Crimson Tide Athletics
The women's basketball victory was just part of a successful Monday for Alabama athletics. The men's basketball team also opened their season with a commanding 91-62 win over North Dakota in Tuscaloosa.
Looking ahead, the women's soccer program faces a significant challenge on Tuesday. They'll take on 8th-ranked Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals in Pensacola, Florida at 11:30 a.m. CT, with television coverage on SEC Network.
In NFL news with Alabama connections, former Tide star Minkah Fitzpatrick finds himself in trade discussions as the Miami Dolphins' season continues to disappoint. The two-time national champion with Alabama was actually acquired by Miami this past summer, but the team's struggles have them looking toward rebuilding.
Another Crimson Tide NFL alum, linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., suffered a rib injury during the Arizona Cardinals' Monday night victory over the Dallas Cowboys. His status will be worth monitoring for both Cardinals fans and those who follow former Alabama players in the pros.
As Alabama women's basketball looks ahead to their next challenge, Coach Curry will certainly emphasize the need for more consistent defensive pressure throughout all four quarters. The talent is clearly there – spreading 82 points across six double-digit scorers shows offensive depth that many teams would envy.
