In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Jessica Timmons led the way with a career-high 28 points as No. 23 Alabama rallied to a 85-78 victory over Mississippi State on Sunday. Both Timmons and Carly Weathers took control offensively in the fourth quarter, with Weathers contributing 11 of her 13 points during that period and Timmons adding seven points in the final frame and 18 in the second half overall.
Timmons’ 11 points in the third quarter helped Alabama build an eight-point lead with just over three minutes remaining, but Mississippi State responded by hitting six consecutive shots, highlighted by Jayla Lampley’s four, to take a 60-56 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter saw the lead swap hands three times before Weathers’ layup and three-pointer, followed by Timmons’ three-point play, secured a lasting advantage for Alabama.
Mississippi State closed the gap to 74-70, but Weathers’ three-pointer with two minutes left extended Alabama’s lead to seven points. Diana Collins added 15 points for Alabama, while Naomi Jones and ace Austin chipped in 10 points each as Alabama improved to 18-3 overall and 4-3 in SEC play.
For Mississippi State, Faber Nuedosi scored 19 points, Madison Francis tallied 16 with eight rebounds and seven steals, Lampley added 14, and Trayanna Crisp contributed 11. In the first quarter, four different Alabama players made three-pointers, giving them an early 15-14 edge. The lead switched hands multiple times early in the second quarter before Alabama went up 35-31 by halftime. Alabama was perfect from the free-throw line, converting all 11 attempts made by Timmons, and finished 20 of 24 overall. Mississippi State shot 18 of 21 from the line.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State will face No. 17 Tennessee on Thursday, while Alabama travels to take on Georgia the same day.
Fan Take: This thrilling comeback by Alabama highlights the growing competitiveness within SEC women’s basketball and demonstrates how clutch performances can swing momentum late in the game. For fans of the sport, it’s an exciting indication of the rising level of talent and intensity that will only continue to elevate women’s college basketball nationally.
