Alabama women dominate Clemson to secure Emerald Coast Classic victory

On November 25, 2024, in Niceville, Florida, the No. 23 Alabama women's basketball team secured a decisive victory over Clemson, winning 73-39 as part of the Emerald Coast Classic. This game marked a continuation of Alabama's strong performance in the tournament and improved their overall record to 8-0 for the season. Zaay Green was a standout player, contributing 17 points and six assists. Essence Cody also made a significant impact with 15 points and nine rebounds. The team collectively managed to convert 14 field goals, demonstrating their offensive efficiency. Meanwhile, Clemson struggled considerably, hitting only 12-of-47 shots, which is a mere 26% shooting rate, and failing to maintain any momentum in the game. Their poor performance was particularly evident in the fourth quarter, where they managed only one basket out of ten attempts. The first half set the tone for the game, as Alabama's defense held Clemson to just 14 points, while their offense thrived, taking a substantial lead at halftime of 29-14. Aaliyah Nye and Sarah Ashlee Barker added to Alabama's scoring efforts, contributing 14 and 13 points respectively. Meanwhile, Mia Moore was the sole player in double digits for Clemson with her 11 points. The Alabama team, fresh off a commanding 83-33 victory against Alabama State just a day before, showcased their consistency and teamwork, which has been instrumental in their unbeaten start to the season. The victory against Clemson not only highlighted Alabama's strong defensive strategies but also demonstrated their offensive depth, with multiple players stepping up to contribute. The ability to score efficiently while maintaining pressure on opposition teams has put Alabama in a strong position early in the season. They were able to respond to Clemson's brief push of scoring with an assertive performance, leading throughout the match without relinquishing their advantage. As they look ahead to their next matchup against Georgia State at home, Alabama appears well-prepared to extend their winning streak and fine-tune their performance as they head deeper into the season. Clemson's performance in this game raises questions about their preparedness and execution against ranked teams. Their failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities and consistent struggles to find rhythm throughout the game could hinder their ability to compete effectively in upcoming contests. As they regroup for their next challenge against Kennesaw State, it is essential for the Clemson team to address these issues in order to improve their performance moving forward.