Alabama Women’s Basketball Starts Season With a Win

Junior Shafontaye Myers recorded a career-high 19 points to pace a balanced Alabama offense to an 80-43 win in its 2012-13 season opener against Jacksonville State on Sunday in Foster Auditorium.

“What is important right now is to improve as a team and keep getting better and doing the things we practiced,” said Alabama head coach Wendell Hudson. “I think if we continue to do this, we will have the opportunities to win, such as we did tonight.”

With all 15 Crimson Tide players contributing to the victory, Alabama would never trail in the game. Joining Myers in doubles figures was senior Meghan Perkins, who added 14 points. Senior Alicia Mitcham recorded a game-high nine rebounds, while Perkins and senior Celiscia Farmer supplied an additional five each.

The Tide held the Gamecocks to a 26.1 percent from the field in addition to forcing 33 turnovers, 20 of which were steals. Alabama also grabbed 47 rebounds, including 24 on the offensive glass. The Tide recorded 33 points in the paint compared to Jacksonville State’s 12.

“One of the things that we need to do is play at a different level, defensively,” added Hudson. “Coming out in the first five minutes of the second half, the defensive intensity was incredible, then it kind of fell off when we looked to score. I am really excited about the team that we have. This is going to have a fun year.”

The Crimson Tide will have a quick turnaround as it returns to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 13, when it travels to Houston. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT