Alabama’s Second-Half Comeback Propel Tide over Rebels 46-43 in Home-Finale

By:Trent Padilla

TUSCALOOSA-- In what would be her final game in in Coleman Coliseum, University of Alabama senior guard Taylor Berry was inserted into the lineup at the start of the second half. Alabama trailed the University of Mississippi 22-16 at the break when Berry provided a spark on the defense coming up with two steals in the first five minutes of the third quarter. Berry’s energy helped start an 18-5 run out of halftime to give Alabama the lead and the eventual 46-43 win over Ole Miss.

“We decided at some point that we weren’t going to lose that game,” said Berry. “So we didn’t.”

Berry has played sporadic minutes for Alabama averaging only six minutes on the season. Her 18 minutes against Ole Miss tied her previous career high in minutes.

“It couldn’t have been written better for somebody like Taylor that’s worked so hard,”

said Alabama head coach Kristy Curry. “I’m so happy for her.”

Thursday’s game also marked Alabama senior guard Shaquera Wade’s final game playing at home. Wade has been prominent in Alabama’s lineup averaging nearly 30 minutes a season since her sophomore year; but, the senior guard struggled in the home finale missing all 11 of her shots.

“I think Shaq was just trying to hard,” said Curry. “When you want something sometimes so bad it can hurt you instead of help you.”

Even with the win, Alabama struggled to score the ball in the first half. Alabama finished the half with only 12 points, tying the lowest point total for Alabama at half this season.

“I wasn’t very happy at half because of how we finished the second quarter because it wasn’t the kind of effort that we need,” said Curry.

Junior guard Cierra Johnson continued to pick up the offensive load for Alabama. Johnson—already the team leader in points this season—scored a team high 14 points against the Rebels.

“When things aren’t going our way we find a way to make it our way. We find a way to get out of it,” said Johnson. “We fight. We fight for each other. We fight for coach. We fight for the university.”

Johnson also finished her first season playing in Coleman Coliseum on Friday. The junior guard transferred from Shelton State after originally committing to Alabama in 2016.

“When I came in I was a nervous. I didn’t know how I was going to lead the team when I got the news Jordan was out but having leaders like Shaq and Taylor that lead me on and off the court helped me get through it,” said Johnson.

After the dust settled for the final time at Coleman Coliseum this season, Curry reflected one last time on what her group of seniors has accomplished.

“They’ve moved this program forward with some great seasons and some great wins, said Curry. “They’ve gone from Foster to the Coliseum and have really paved the way for the future.”

Alabama has one final matchup in the regular season against the Missouri Tigers before heading to Greenville, South Carolina for the SEC Basketball Tournament.