The Alabama Crimson Tide took benefit of an enormous third-quarter efficiency on their method to handing No. 15 Michigan State its first lack of the season, 82-67, on Friday evening.
After each groups obtained off to sluggish begins with 17 mixed factors within the opening quarter, Alabama outscored Michigan State, 31-11, within the third quarter and by no means surrendered the lead from there.
The Spartans had been the primary ranked opponent the Crimson Tide had confronted all season. A hot-shooting efficiency carried Alabama all through the sport. Alabama went 28-of-58 (48.3 p.c) from the sector and made 9 of its 21 three-point makes an attempt.
All 5 Crimson Tide starters scored in double figures. Aaliyah Nye had a team-high 18 factors, whereas Karly Weathers had eight of the workforce’s 20 assists.
A chilly taking pictures evening doomed the beforehand unbeaten Spartans. Whereas Michigan State shot 37.7 p.c total, it was even worse from behind the arc (23.1 p.c).
Julia Ayrault led the way in which with 18 factors. Grace VanSlooten, who’s the workforce’s second-leading scorer, solely had 10 factors (4-of-11) and dedicated eight turnovers.
Each groups had issue taking good care of the ball. Regardless of successful the sport, Alabama turned the ball over 29 occasions, whereas Michigan State had 25 turnovers. It’s going to be difficult to win shut video games the remainder of the way in which if each groups proceed to provide the ball away at that fee.
Alabama (11-1) performs a second sport within the West Palm Seashore Traditional in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in opposition to Richmond on Saturday.
Michigan State (11-1, 1-0 Massive Ten) has some prolonged break day earlier than a street take a look at at No. 8 Maryland (11-0, 1-0 Massive Ten) on Dec. 29 in each groups’ second Massive Ten sport of the season.
