TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Essence Cody recorded a career-high night as the Alabama women’s basketball team defeated McNeese (1-1), 64-44, inside Coleman Coliseum on Thursday.

The Crimson Tide (2-0) secured its second win of the 2025-26 season behind Cody’s double-double night. The Valdosta, Ga., native scored 23 points and tallied 11 rebounds along with six blocks to collect a career-high in both points and blocked shots. Karly Weathers also finished in double figures (14), marking the second consecutive game that both Weathers and Cody recorded double-digit performances.

After going into halftime with a four-point deficient, Alabama regained the lead midway through the third quarter after going on a 14-1 run over 6:48 minutes. The Tide held McNeese to a combined 15 points in the second half as the Tide secured the victory.

Tyreona Sibley led McNeese on both sides of the court with 12 points and four rebounds. 

“I’m really proud of our team. I thought we stayed together when it got hard and we embraced that. I loved the grittiness, the toughness and the character down the stretch against a McNeese team that’s so well coached. I think they have a chance to win their league without a doubt. We did a better job at three key stats. Only had eight turnovers in the second half, which is still too many. We always want to keep it less than 13 total.”

“I thought we did a good job. Anytime you can hold someone to 15 points in the third and fourth [quarters] speaks volumes about effort, and I’m just proud of those three areas that allowed some separation down the stretch. It’s a 40-minute game and when we can stay together for 40 minutes, we give ourselves a chance.”

Game Notes

• Essence Cody recorded a double-doubled off a career-high 23 points and 11 rebounds, while also posting a career-high six blocks.
• Freshman Ace Austin saw her first minutes with the Crimson Tide, scoring six points with three rebounds and a team-high four assists.
• UA blocked 11 total shots, marking the first time the team collected 10-or-more in a game since last season (12 vs. Murray State, Dec. 15, 2024).
• Alabama shot 20-of-41 (49 percent) from the floor, 6-of-19 (32 percent) from deep and 18-of-23 (78 percent) from the free throw line.
• In comparison, McNeese shot 19-of-64 (30 percent) from the field, 1-of-10 (10 percent) from the three-point line and 5-of-8 (63 percent) from the charity stripe.

How it Happened

• Although Alabama opened the scoring, McNeese went on an 11-5 run late in the first quarter (4:22 minutes) to take a 13-9 lead.
• The Cowgirls continued to extend their lead to 10 points (25-15) after going on an 10-1 run in the second quarter.
• Alabama battled back, trailing by just four points at half after securing a 16-point second quarter thanks to a couple of three-pointers from Diana Collins and Karly Weathers.
• After the break, Alabama regained the lead midway through the third quarter after going on a 14-1 run over 6:48 minutes.
• Essence Cody and Ace Austin led UA with nine and six points, respectfully, as the Tide finished the third quarter with a 45-38 advantage.
• Alabama continued to increase its lead over the final 10 minutes thanks to multiple made free-throws by Cody, jumpers from Collins and Alancia Ramsey and a three-pointer from Weathers.
• The Tide secured the 64-44 win with its largest lead of the game, 20 points.

Up Next

• Alabama will continue its home slate on Monday, Nov. 10, hosting Alcorn State at 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.