2/21/2017 basketball Edit

Cook dishes up Alabama win in overtime at Auburn

TideSports Staff • TideIllustrated

Staff

AUBURN – Junior Hannah Cook scored the winning basket with six seconds remaining in overtime to lead the University of Alabama women’s basketball team (17-10, 5-9 SEC) to a 63-61 victory at Auburn (15-13, 5-9 SEC) on Monday night in Auburn Arena. The win was the Crimson Tide’s first in Auburn since 2011.

“That was just flat out toughness and character,” said Alabama head coach Kristy Curry. “In every huddle I loved our leadership. I thought some of our kids really grew up in front of us tonight with their leadership qualities. And Hannah Cook. What can you say? To have a double-double rebounding the ball 13 times and to make a play there at the end was fitting for the night.”

As a team, Alabama hauled in 56 rebounds, 20 more than Auburn and an Auburn Arena record for rebounds in a single game. The Tide also took 23 free throws, compared to the Tigers’ 10 attempts.

Cook finished with team highs of 15 points and 13 rebounds and was joined in double figures by juniors Quanetria Bolton (13) and Meoshonti Knight (10) and freshman Jordan Lewis (12). Freshman Ashley Knight recorded five blocks to bring her season total to 64 and move her into the No. 2 spot on UA’s single-season list. She’s now four away from tying Yolanda Watkins at 68 for the record.

The Tigers were led by sophomore Janiah McKay, who had 29 points, while senior Katie Frerking added 16.

Alabama went on an 11-0 run to lead by five with 4:04 remaining. The Tigers took the lead with 1:07 to go. Cook evened the score on the next possession with a jumper. Alabama got the ball back with 14.9 seconds left. Cook was fouled with under one second to go but missed the free throw. Auburn’s attempt at a shot went wide, sending the game into overtime.

Alabama scored the first five points of overtime, but the Tigers responded with the next five to tie the game for the ninth time. There were two more ties and two more lead changes down the stretch.

Alabama plays its final regular season road game at Georgia Lady Bulldogs on Thursday night.

Hannah Cook, No. 11, shoots a free throw during the Power of Pink game in Coleman Coliseum on Feb. 12, 2017. Cook scored the winning basket with six seconds remaining in overtime to lead the University of Alabama women's basketball team to a 63-61 victory at Auburn on Monday night in Auburn Arena. [Photo/Sam MacDonald]