Emerald Coast Classic Womens’ Tournament Night One Action

The Emerald Coast Classic women’s basketball tournament provided an electrifying start Monday, as No. 23 Alabama cruised past Alabama State, and Syracuse delivered a stunning comeback against Missouri.

Alabama Shines in Defensive Showcase
In the Bay Bracket opener, Alabama showcased their defensive prowess, rolling to an 83-33 victory over Alabama State at Northwest Florida State College. The Crimson Tide (7-0) forced 28 turnovers, converting those into 40 points, and held the Hornets to just 27.5% shooting from the floor.

Alabama’s pressure defense set the tone early, racing to an 8-0 lead and a dominant 26-8 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Aaliyah Nye led the Tide with 15 points and three steals, while Karly Weathers and Sara Ashlee Barker contributed 12 points each. Zaay Green added 11 points and four assists. Reserve JeAnna Cunningham grabbed a career-high nine rebounds as Alabama outrebounded Alabama State, 43-26.

Coach Kristy Curry praised the team’s balance, saying, “Any time we can share the ball like that, good things can happen. Tomorrow will be a test for us.” Alabama faces Clemson in the Bay Bracket championship Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.

Alabama State (2-3) was led by Cordasia Harris, who scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds. The Hornets will face UAB in the consolation game.

Syracuse Sizzles Against Missouri
In the Beach Bracket, Syracuse (3-3) overcame an early deficit with scorching shooting to beat Missouri 82-59. The Orange hit 66.7% of their shots in the first quarter and sustained their offensive momentum, making 51.6% of their attempts for the game.

Trailing 8-1 early, Syracuse stormed back, fueled by a six-minute stretch in which they made 10 of 11 shots. Sophie Burrows’ three-pointer late in the first quarter gave Syracuse its first lead at 23-20 and ignited a 15-2 run. Georgia Woolley paced the Orange with 17 points, 10 of which came in the second half. Kyra Wood added 16 points, while Burrows scored 15.

The Orange were equally dominant in the third quarter, shooting 81.8% to pull away. Their ball movement was exceptional, with 26 assists, led by Burrows, Woolley, and Olivia Schmitt with seven apiece.

Coach Felisha Legette-Jack praised her team’s effort: “We really hunkered down defensively and beat a good Missouri team. Our kids were on another level today.”

Missouri (5-3) saw their four-game winning streak snapped despite a strong start. Grace Slaughter led the Tigers with 13 points, and Laniah Randle added nine points and seven rebounds.

Syracuse will face the winner of the Creighton-Wichita State matchup in Tuesday’s Beach Bracket championship.