Winning on the road in the SEC is never easy, especially without one of your star players. That is exactly how the Alabama women found themselves without Essence Cody in Columbia against Missouri. The Tide got out to a fast start, getting a quick lead that made it seem like it was going to be an easy win. The Tigers had other plans with a big second quarter that allowed them to be down only four points at the half. Every time Mizzou made a run, Karly Weathers had an answer, leading the Tide with a career high 23 points on an efficient nine of 13 from the field in addition to grabbing seven boards.
Weathers was the vocal leader on the court and made sure Missouri was not going to spoil Alabama's first game being ranked in the AP Poll after the big win over Kentucky over the weekend.
Jessica Timmons dropped 16 points, and Ta'Mia Scott was right behind her with a solid 15 points. The Tide defense was the difference in the game, forcing 11 turnovers and coming up with some big stops anytime Mizzou cut into the lead. This is the best start for Alabama in school history, and as wins pile up, the pressure starts to build as well, especially away from Coleman.
Now the Tide will head to Lee County to face rival Auburn Thursday night and look to continue their winning ways on the road, before closing the week with a huge home game against the Tennessee Vols Sunday afternoon. The Tigers have struggled mightily in SEC play but did get their first conference win this past Sunday over Florida and are looking to extend that to two straight when their rivals from Tuscaloosa come into Neville Arena. This is another trap game for the Tide, who are looking to establish themselves as a contender in the always tough SEC.