Alabama Women’s Basketball Falls at No. 15 Kentucky 66-62

The Crimson Tide was led by junior Jasmine Walker with 17 points

The Alabama women’s basketball team had another close game against ranked opponent, but ultimately fell short to Kentucky at Memorial Coliseum on Thursday night 

The Crimson Tide lost by a mere four points, 66-62.

For Alabama (13-10, 3-7 SEC), it was the sixth loss to a ranked foe this season, three by five points or less. 

Kentucky (18-4, 7-3 SEC) is No. 15 in the latest polls, and won the first matchup of the season 81-71 last month. 

Junior Jasmine Walker scored 15 of her team-leading 17 points in the second half, and also grabbed seven rebounds. 

Sophomore Brittany Davis was the only other Alabama player to finish in double digits with her 10 points. Senior Cierra Johnson had seven points, five rebounds and five assists.

“I thought we rebounded, we had some second-chance opportunities in the second half compared the first half,” Crimson Tide coach Kristy Curry said in a statement. “Brittany Davis came off the bench and played well along with Cierra Johnson, Ashley Knight and De’Sha Benjamin. I thought our bench really tried to help us in the second half. The offensive rebounding was also a lot better in the second.”

Alabama shot 42 percent from the floor, out-shooting Kentucky by four percent. The Crimson Tide also out-rebounded the Wildcats 40-35.

The first quarter was finished with Kentucky holding a 14-10 lead. The two teams traded leads in the second quarter will the Wildcats still ahead by four at the half, 31-27 lead.

Walker contributed a layup during the third quarter which cut the Kentucky lead to 45-43 before the Wildcats interrupted with a 3-pointer at the buzzer. 

Alabama countered with a 5-0 run during the fourth quarter that made it a one possession game before Kentucky responded with a 64-57 lead. Sophomore Britany Davis scored two free throws with 26 seconds to go before Kentucky answered with the final points to seal the victory.

Alabama returns home to face Auburn for the second time this season. The game is scheduled for Sunday inside Coleman Coliseum at 2 p.m. CT.