The Alabama Crimson Tide took advantage of a huge third-quarter performance on their way to handing No. 15 Michigan State its first loss of the season, 82-67, on Friday night.
After both teams got off to slow starts with 17 combined points in the opening quarter, Alabama outscored Michigan State, 31-11, in the third quarter and never surrendered the lead from there.
The Spartans were the first ranked opponent the Crimson Tide had faced all season. A hot-shooting performance carried Alabama throughout the game. Alabama went 28-of-58 (48.3 percent) from the field and made nine of its 21 three-point attempts.
All five Crimson Tide starters scored in double figures. Aaliyah Nye had a team-high 18 points, while Karly Weathers had eight of the team’s 20 assists.
A cold shooting night doomed the previously unbeaten Spartans. While Michigan State shot 37.7 percent overall, it was even worse from behind the arc (23.1 percent).
Julia Ayrault led the way with 18 points. Grace VanSlooten, who is the team’s second-leading scorer, only had 10 points (4-of-11) and committed eight turnovers.
Both teams had difficulty taking care of the ball. Despite winning the game, Alabama turned the ball over 29 times, while Michigan State had 25 turnovers. It is going to be challenging to win close games the rest of the way if both teams continue to give the ball away at that rate.
Alabama (11-1) plays a second game in the West Palm Beach Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, against Richmond on Saturday.
Michigan State (11-1, 1-0 Big Ten) has some extended time off before a road test at No. 8 Maryland (11-0, 1-0 Big Ten) on Dec. 29 in both teams’ second Big Ten game of the season.
