WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM UPENDS ALABAMA 68-67 IN TUSCALOOSA

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM UPENDS ALABAMA 68-67 IN TUSCALOOSA

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TUSCALOOSA – Niala Harris drove the lane and hit a contested layup with three seconds remaining to give North Alabama a 68-67 road victory over Alabama Wednesday evening in women’s basketball exhibition play. The shot capped a rally that saw the Lions come back from a 17-point deficit in the second half to stun the Division I Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum.

After taking a 41-29 lead at the half, Alabama stretched its lead to 17 points at 48-31 with 14:29 remaining. The Lions used a 25-8 run to tie the game at 56-56 at the 5:28 mark, but could not take the lead. UA moved the advantage back to five and led 67-64 with less than a minute to play.

A pair of free throws by Dana Jackson pulled the Lions to within a single point with 17 seconds remaining and UNA quickly fouled on Alabama’s next possession. After the Tide missed the front end of a one-and-one, Jackson grabbed the defensive rebound to set up the final shot. The Lions worked the ball down the court without a timeout and got the ball to Harris, who passed up on a three-point attempt and drove inside for the game-winner.

A desperation three-pointer by Alabama at the buzzer was off the mark giving UNA the victory.

Five players reached double digits in scoring for North Alabama with Sanqueeta Meardith and Lacy Lewis notching 14 points each to lead the way. Jameica York added 13 points on the night while Harris and Jackson tossed in 11 each. Kierra McCleary also had six assists for the Lions.

Defensively, UNA was able to turn up the pressure in the second half, holding the Crimson Tide to a 25.6 percent shooting percentage. Alabama was also unable to connect from three-point range, going 1-of-11 for the game and 0-for-7 in the second half.

UNA will now turn its attention to the season opener against Southern New Hampshire on Friday in Orlando, Fla. The two teams will meet at 11:15 a.m. to open play at the Walt Disney Tip-Off Classic. The Lions will remain at Walt Disney World to play Northeastern State (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.) and Stonehill (Sunday, 1:30 p.m.).