Senior leaders Jessica Timmons and Diana Collins made sure Alabama advanced to their third straight round of 32 appearance with a 68-55 win over Rhode Island. Timmons led the team with a 21-point performance, and Collins was right behind her with 16, which included 10 in the first half. The Alabama defense did its job, holding the Rams to 33% shooting on the day and locking in every time they went on a run, which included Rhode Island cutting it to four in the third quarter.
Similar to the men's team, the women rely on the three-point shot, so for this team to win comfortably and nearly put up 70 despite only shooting ten threes is impressive. Surprisingly, Essence Cody hit three from beyond the arc and added 19 points, which was needed as Ta'Mia Scott struggled from the field and only had seven points. There were instances at the end of the first half and to start the third quarter where Alabama fell asleep and allowed Rhode Island to get closer than they should have, and that can't happen on Monday against Louisville.
If Alabama wants to finally get over the second-round hump and get back to the Sweet 16, it can't have spurts where it doesn't score and will have to shoot better from beyond the arc, in addition to controlling the pace of the game better. It is going to take great days from Timmons, Collings, and Scott against the Louisville guards. Another double-digit scoring performance from Essence Cody will do wonders in the upset bid on Monday against the Cardinals. But no matter what happens on Monday, a certain standard has been set in Tuscaloosa, which should help not only the NIL fund but also continue to push bigger-name recruits and transfers to Alabama.