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Alabama finds offensive groove to bounce back and beat Georgia Tech

Alabama's Meoshonti Knight (15) dribbles the ball toward the goal during the first half on Saturday against Georgia Tech. Staff Photo/Erin Nelson
Alabama's Meoshonti Knight (15) dribbles the ball toward the goal during the first half on Saturday against Georgia Tech. Staff Photo/Erin Nelson

The University of Alabama shot its way back into Saturday's game against Georgia Tech after nearly shooting its way out of the contest.

The Crimson Tide bounced back from a 1-for-18 shooting start to knock down key 3-pointers to close gap, then put itself in position to hold on down the stretch for a 67-65 victory at Coleman Coliseum.

"I just thought it showed a lot of character by our kids," Alabama coach Kristy Curry said. "We handled some adversity early and just kind of stayed the course. It's a really good win."

Trailing by 13 points at the end of the first quarter, Alabama wasn't daunted.

"I think we were making a statement," guard Hannah Cook said.

UA (10-1) made its own momentum in the second quarter, starting with a 3-pointer by Jordan Lewis. Alabama hit five treys in the second quarter, with Cook and Shaquera Wade making two each (to tie it at 29 by halftime) and made nine in the contest.

"Everybody in the huddle was just, 'Trust your shot, trust your shot,'" Curry said. "We were getting great shots. I certainly wasn't displeased with our shot selection. That's why it's a 40-minute game."

Said Wade, "We kept our head in the game. We kept each other pumped up and we gave each other energy."

Georgia Tech (9-2) got back on top in the third quarter, pounding the ball inside to Elo Edeferioka and Zaire O'Neil to take a 48-45 advantage into the final period, but Alabama attacked to take the lead. Cook hit a layup and a free throw to tie it and Meoshonti Knight followed with a bucket that gave UA a lead it never surrendered.

Even so, Georgia Tech got within a point in the final two minutes. Knight hit the key shot, following her own miss to put UA up 66-63.

"I was just really focused," Knight said. "I saw the ball come off the rim on the left side. I think it helped our team to come through like that."

Georgia Tech got only one bucket down the stretch, and Wade iced it with a free throw in the final six seconds.

Curry credited freshman Lewis, who scored seven points with eight assists and four turnovers in 36 minutes of play.

"Jordan Lewis might have been the reason we won the game today," the coach said, "with her poise and presence at the point guard spot."

Cook scored 19 points and Wade added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Knight scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

O'Neil scored 17 points to lead Georgia Tech. Antonia Peresson added a dozen points.

Alabama will play McNeese State on Monday in the Patrick Harrington Tournament in Niceville, Fla. UA will play UTEP on Tuesday in the same event.

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