Winning two road games in a row in the SEC is a tough thing to do, and the Alabama women found out the hard way, losing a tough game against Auburn on Thursday night. The Tide never found their offensive rhythm, getting down early in the game with several turnovers, and found themselves trying to claw back into the game for the rest of Thursday night.
Auburn's defense kept the explosive Tide offense in check, and it is clear this team is missing Essence Cody greatly. Jessica Timmons led Alabama with 16 points but struggled from the field, shooting just 6-of-18. Karly Weathers was not nearly as effective on the offensive end of the court, only scoring 10 points, but she did grab 11 rebounds.
Despite the struggles all night finding rhythm offensively, Kristy Curry's team kept the game close and had the opportunity to possibly send the game to overtime when a foul was called as Timmons drove to the basket. Unfortunately, it was not Alabama's night at all, with a charge being called instead, and Auburn closed out the game with some late free throws for the four-point win.
It is always frustrating losing to your rival, but even more so when it is the only Iron Bowl on the hardwood on the women's side unless they happen to meet in the SEC Tournament. This loss also hurts the Tide when it comes to joining the ranks of legit SEC contenders, especially with how Texas rocked the Tigers a week ago.
Despite the loss, the Lady Tide will be looking to bounce back against another rival in Tennessee in the comfy confines of Coleman Coliseum on Sunday, where they are undefeated on the season.
The Vols come into the game ranked and having won five games in a row. This is definitely the type of game Alabama has to win to show they are more than just another team in the SEC. It should be a great game on Sunday afternoon, and it would really help if Cody could return on the inside after missing two straight games with an ankle injury.