The Alabama women made sure to close the month of January strong with a dominant road win over a ranked Georgia team, 68-53. After giving up 20 points in the first quarter, the defense locked up the Bulldogs being able to get the lead going into halftime and dominating the second half. They held Georgia to 25 points in the second half and fed off the always active Karly Weathers, who had 11 points, grabbed eight boards, five assists, and two monster blocks.
It was very encouraging to see Essence Cody back to her normal self after her injury, leading the team with 16 points and really showing why it was crucial she returned fully before heading to Baton Rouge.
Georgia's leading scorer Dani Carnegie never got into rhythm, putting up only 6 points on a 3-of-12 shooting night. Her early foul trouble and the Alabama defense kept her frustrated, and she was nowhere near what she had been during the month of January.
This is a huge win for Kristy Curry's team, getting a ranked win on the road over a Georgia team that came into the game with three straight wins, including two of those being dominant wins over ranked teams in their own right.
This is the kind of momentum the Tide needs heading into Baton Rouge on Sunday in hopes of getting a second straight win over LSU. The Tigers have been playing great ball as of late, having won five straight after starting 0-2 in SEC play. Alabama is going to have to play with the same energy they did Thursday night if they are going to have a chance to upset Kim Mulkey's team.
For now, this team can celebrate the big win over Georgia at least until Friday and then refocus in hopes of starting the month of February with the biggest win of the season over the Tigers.