No. RV/24 Alabama Upsets No. 6/7 Kentucky

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – No. RV/24 Alabama women's basketball played its second ranked Southeastern Conference opponent of the season on Thursday night at Coleman Coliseum against the No. 6/7 Kentucky Wildcats.

Both teams entered the matchup with a 15-1 record. The Crimson Tide also entered the matchup with a 1-1 record in SEC play, while the Wildcats were undefeated until the Crimson Tide pulled off a dominant 64-51 upset, claiming their first ranked win of the season.

The Wildcats controlled the first quarter initially, limiting the Crimson Tide’s scoring and taking an 11-2 lead at the 4:29 mark. Just as it seemed Kentucky would continue to pull away, Alabama responded with a 10-0 run, starting with a pair of free throws from Essence Cody. The Crimson Tide took their first lead of the night at 12-11 with under two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Despite the Crimson Tide's comeback, the Wildcats led by one point (16-15) heading into the second quarter.

That narrow lead didn’t faze Kristy Curry’s squad, as they battled even harder in the second quarter. Kentucky opened the period with a 3-pointer from Asia Boone, but Alabama's defense tightened, holding the Wildcats scoreless for almost four and a half minutes. Meanwhile, the offense capitalized with 3-pointers and aggressive play in the paint to take a 36-29 lead at halftime.

Veteran guard Jessica Timmons ended the first half with 14 points, on track for her fifth game this season with 20 or more points, and her first against an SEC opponent.

In the second half, the Crimson Tide put the Wildcats to rest, displaying toughness, grit, love, and gratitude, as Curry has preached to her team all season long. Alabama held Kentucky to just nine points in the third quarter, a rare occurrence for the No. 6 Wildcats. Junior center Clara Strack, who usually averages 16 points per game, had only recorded four points through three quarters.

The Crimson Tide thrived in the third quarter, fueled by a boisterous home crowd that erupted with every basket. Alabama scored 19 points to extend their lead over Kentucky, entering the fourth quarter with a commanding 55-38 advantage and a chance to make a statement.

A statement was indeed made as the Crimson Tide held the Wildcats to 13 points, securing a 64-51 victory. Strack was limited to her lowest point total of the season, while Timmons finished the night with 24 points, aiding the Crimson Tide to victory.

Furthermore, this win marked Alabama's largest victory against a ranked opponent since 2019, when they defeated No. 20 Tennessee by 21 points (72-51). The 21-point win was also the largest margin of victory against a ranked opponent since Feb. 14, 1998, and the biggest margin for an unranked Alabama team against a team ranked in The Associated Press Top 25, according to The Dispatch.

Alabama Players with Double-Digit Points

Jessica Timmons - 24 points

Diana Collins - 16 points

Alabama Stat Leaders 

Points: Jessica Timmons  - 24

Assists: Ace Austin - 5

Rebounds: Karly Weathers (8), Naomi Jones (8)