Walker’s Shot Downs Alabama, No. 10 Women Win 59-56

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. Courtney Walker hit a jumper with 7.3 seconds to play, giving No. 10 Texas A&M the go-ahead points in a 59-56 victory over Alabama in a women’s basketball game at Foster Auditorium.

Walker’s shot gave A&M a 57-56 lead, and marked the second consecutive game that Walker hit a game-tying or game-winning shot in the final minute of regulation. On the ensuing possession, two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Jones drew a charge with 1.8 seconds left, sealing the victory for A&M, and giving Alabama their second loss in 13 games at home this season. A&M hit two free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory.

The Aggies (15-5, 5-2 SEC) led by as many as 11 in the first quarter, and did not relinquish the lead until 6:17 in the fourth quarter, when Alabama’s Breanna Hayden made a go-ahead layup. Alabama (13-8, 2-6 SEC) would lead by as many as six with 2:30 to play, before A&M rallied.

Jones’ was the Aggies’ leading scorer with 15 points, and was joined in double figures by Walker (14). Anriel Howard andChelsea Jennings had nine rebounds apiece.

The Aggies have now won 8 of their last 10 games, and have had to come back from large or late deficits in five of the eight wins.

Jordan Jones moved into third place on the Texas A&M career assist list in the game, passing A’Quonesia Franklin (2004-08, 627 assists) with 629 career assists.
The Aggies return home on Sunday, January 31 to host No. 2 South Carolina at 5 p.m. on ESPN2.


QUICKIE NOTES
• Texas A&M hands Alabama just their second home loss of the season. Alabama is now 11-2 at home this season.
• The Aggies are now 15-5 on the season and 5-2 in SEC play. Alabama is 13-8 on the season and 2-6 in SEC play
• Texas A&M remains alone in second place in the SEC with a 5-2 record. Sunday’s game against No. 2 South Carolina features the top 2 teams in the SEC Standings
• The Aggies are now 8-2 in their last 10 games. The Aggies have come back from large or late deficits in five of those eight wins.
Jordan Jones moved into third on Texas A&M’s career assist list. Jones passed A’Quonesia Franklin (2004-08, 627) and now has 629 career assists.
o Jones scored in double figures for the third straight game, eighth time this season, and 29th time in her career.
Courtney Walker scored in double figures for the 19th time in 20 games this season and 93rd time in her career. She is second at Texas A&M (since 2000-01) in career double-figure scoring games.
o Her jumper with 7.3 seconds left is her second consecutive game-winning or game-tying shot in the final minute of regulation. She hit 3 FTs with 8.4 seconds left against Missouri to send the game into overtime.
• Texas A&M head coach Gary Blair is now 710-287 in his career and 302-124 in 13 seasons at Texas A&M. Blair is 13th all-time and eighth among active coaches in career wins

Story courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics

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