Alabama ends SEC Tournament Run in Quarterfinals, falling to No. 18 Tennessee

A tired Alabama team playing for the third day in a row faced off against a well-rested Tennessee squad playing in its first game of the SEC Tournament on Friday. The No. 18 Lady Vols defeated the Tide, 74-59, knocking Alabama out in the quarterfinals.

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The Tide started off rough, falling 15-5 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Vols continued to pour it on, going up by as much as eighteen, as the Alabama offense struggled to hit shots.

Alabama head coach Kristy Curry frustrated with the referees, earned her second technical foul with 2:06 left in the second quarter after a tough no-call. Curry made her way onto the court to state her case and immediately started walking to the locker room afterwards, as she knew that the second technical would be called. The Lady Vols took a 34-20 lead into the break.

Both teams went back-and-forth to start the third quarter as the Lady Vols led at the media timeout, 46-32, with 4:55 left in the third quarter. The Lady Vols ended the quarter outscoring the Tide 10-5 taking a 56-37 lead into the final frame.

Alabama continued to fight until the finish, outscoring Tennessee 22-18 in the fourth quarter. The Lady Vols went on securing the 74-59 victory.

The Tide were led in scoring by Megan Abrams and Allie Craig Cruce with 19 and 12, respectively.

After the game Curry addressed the technical fouls.

“I’m not going to apologize for the passion. I appreciate the question, but if I talk about officiating I will be held accountable,” said Curry.

The Tide currently sits in the next four out, and will await its fate next week which will most likely be a WNIT bid.

“It’s going to be exciting to watch the SEC in the NCAA tournament, I just hope we’re in it,” said Curry.

Alabama now drops to 17-13 overall and 8-11 in the SEC, with its best wins coming against No. 18 Tennessee and No. 24 Georgia.