The Alabama Women’s Basketball team had a commanding victory over the Georgia Bulldogs on Sunday.

Alabama Women’s Basketball Team Dominates in Win Over Georgia Bulldogs

On Sunday, February 1, 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide Women’s Basketball team delivered a commanding victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in what turned out to be an impressive performance on both ends of the floor. The matchup, which was part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule, had major implications for both teams’ standings in the conference, and Alabama capitalized on the opportunity with a dominant showing. The 86-58 win not only extended Alabama’s winning streak but also served as a statement about the team’s potential as they move forward in the season.

Setting the Stage: The Importance of the Game

Both Alabama and Georgia entered the game with something to prove. The Alabama Crimson Tide, coming off a strong start to the season, were looking to bolster their positioning in the SEC standings. A win over Georgia would help solidify their spot in the upper tier of the conference and potentially enhance their NCAA tournament prospects. Georgia, on the other hand, had been struggling to gain consistency, especially on the road, and hoped to turn the tide with a big win in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama had already shown glimpses of greatness during the season, and this game represented an opportunity to show that they could be a contender for the SEC championship. Their combination of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent was seen as one of the most balanced in the conference. Meanwhile, Georgia, led by head coach Joni Taylor, had a squad filled with talent but had been dealing with inconsistency, particularly in terms of shooting efficiency and defense.

First Half: Alabama Takes Control Early

From the opening tip, it was clear that Alabama was determined to make a statement. The Crimson Tide came out with a high level of intensity on both ends of the floor, dictating the pace of the game from the start. Alabama’s defense was suffocating, forcing Georgia into early turnovers and contested shots. The Bulldogs struggled to find rhythm offensively as Alabama’s defense disrupted their ball movement and pressured their shooters.

On the offensive end, Alabama showcased their impressive depth and versatility. Senior guard Aaliyah Nye had a stellar first half, scoring efficiently from both inside and beyond the arc. Her ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates was a key factor in Alabama’s offensive execution. Nye’s leadership and experience were evident as she orchestrated the offense with poise, finding open teammates and keeping the Bulldogs’ defense on their heels.

Meanwhile, freshman phenom Kaylee Brown was making a huge impact on both ends of the court. Brown’s quickness and athleticism allowed her to get to the rim with ease, while her defense was a disruptive force in the Bulldogs’ half-court offense. Brown finished the first half with a double-digit point total, including several steals and fast-break opportunities that energized the crowd and her teammates alike.

The Alabama offense was flowing smoothly, with great ball movement and off-the-ball screens creating open shots for their perimeter players. Georgia, however, struggled to keep up with the pace. The Bulldogs’ offensive sets were predictable, and Alabama’s defense was able to easily contest or block most of Georgia’s shots. The Crimson Tide forced Georgia into 12 turnovers in the first half alone, which led to easy transition opportunities and fast-break points.

As the first half wore on, the lead for Alabama continued to grow. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, Alabama held a commanding 47-29 lead. The energy in Coleman Coliseum was electric, with the fans giving the team a standing ovation as they headed to the locker room. Alabama’s suffocating defense and potent offense had been too much for Georgia to handle, and it was clear that the Bulldogs would have a steep hill to climb in the second half.

Second Half: Alabama Finishes Strong

The second half began with Georgia looking to make adjustments. Coach Joni Taylor emphasized the need for better shot selection and ball control. However, Alabama’s defense remained unrelenting. The Crimson Tide forced another five turnovers in the opening minutes of the second half, further frustrating the Bulldogs and preventing them from making any significant runs.

Alabama’s depth continued to shine as head coach Kristy Curry rotated in multiple players, keeping fresh legs on the floor and maintaining the intensity on defense. Junior forward Jasmine Walker, a standout for Alabama all season, was a constant presence in the paint. She was able to establish herself inside, scoring at will against the Bulldogs’ defense and grabbing key rebounds on both ends of the floor. Walker finished the game with a double-double, recording 18 points and 11 rebounds. Her dominance in the post was a key factor in Alabama’s ability to control the tempo of the game throughout the second half.

Georgia’s offensive struggles persisted, as the Bulldogs had difficulty getting any open looks against Alabama’s swarming defense. When they did manage to get open shots, they couldn’t knock them down consistently. Georgia shot just 36 percent from the field for the game, a testament to the effectiveness of Alabama’s defensive schemes.

Alabama’s offense, meanwhile, remained efficient. The Crimson Tide continued to execute well in transition, with quick ball movement leading to easy baskets in the paint and wide-open three-pointers. In the second half, freshman guard McKenzie Reese came off the bench and added a scoring spark, hitting two three-pointers in quick succession. Reese’s shooting ability stretched Georgia’s defense even further, making it difficult for the Bulldogs to cover all of Alabama’s offensive weapons.

As the game entered the final minutes, Alabama’s lead was insurmountable. The Crimson Tide held a 30-point advantage, and the final few minutes were largely academic. The crowd erupted in cheers as the game wound down, and Alabama’s bench players got an opportunity to log valuable minutes on the court. When the final buzzer sounded, Alabama had secured a resounding 86-58 victory, further cementing their position as one of the top teams in the SEC.

Key Performers of the Game

Several players stepped up in a big way for Alabama during the game. While Aaliyah Nye and Kaylee Brown were the offensive leaders, it was the collective effort of the entire team that made this victory so decisive.

1. Aaliyah Nye (Guard) – Nye was the floor general for Alabama, finishing the game with 22 points and 7 assists. She showed excellent shot selection and provided leadership throughout the game, making key plays in both the first and second halves. Nye’s shooting from the perimeter was a key factor in Alabama’s offensive success, and her ability to find open teammates kept the Georgia defense on edge.
2. Kaylee Brown (Guard) – Brown, the freshman sensation, was explosive throughout the game. She finished with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Brown’s athleticism allowed her to penetrate the defense, and her defensive prowess was critical in limiting Georgia’s opportunities in transition. Her performance demonstrated that she’s a player to watch as the season progresses.
3. Jasmine Walker (Forward) – Walker’s presence in the paint was crucial to Alabama’s success. With 18 points and 11 rebounds, she was a constant force on the boards and in scoring. Her work in the post kept Georgia from establishing any rhythm defensively, and her size and skill allowed her to dominate inside.
4. McKenzie Reese (Guard) – Reese’s shooting off the bench was a key spark for Alabama in the second half. She finished with 12 points, all of which came from beyond the arc. Reese’s ability to knock down shots from deep made it difficult for Georgia to pack the paint and stop Alabama’s offensive flow.

Georgia’s Struggles

On the Georgia side, the Bulldogs were unable to find any sustained offensive rhythm. The absence of their leading scorer, junior guard Jada Brown, was felt heavily, as the team struggled to generate consistent offense in her absence. Georgia’s shooting woes, combined with Alabama’s elite defense, led to a rough night for the Bulldogs.

Despite strong individual performances from forward Kelsey Lang, who scored 15 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, Georgia could not keep up with Alabama’s intensity. The Bulldogs shot just 36 percent from the field and 22 percent from beyond the arc. Their inability to get to the free-throw line also hindered their chances of mounting a comeback.