The Alabama Crimson Tide women's basketball team continued its impressive start to the 2026-27 season Wednesday night, cruising past LSU New Orleans 118-45 inside Coleman Coliseum.

Following a 92-56 season-opening victory over Queens, Alabama delivered an even more dominant performance, improving to 2-0 under first-year head coach Pauline Love. The 73-point victory marked the second-largest margin of victory in program history, while the Crimson Tide's 118 points ranked fourth-highest in program history.

Alabama's performance was fueled by aggressive defensive pressure, balanced scoring and contributions throughout the rotation. Eight Crimson Tide players finished in double figures, while all 11 players who saw action scored at least five points.

Leading the way was junior guard Alayna West, who delivered an impressive all-around performance with 17 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. West also recorded six steals, finishing just one assist shy of a triple-double.

Mykelle Richards added 16 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore guard Ace Austin contributed 14 points and four assists. Kylie Torrence also reached double figures with 13 points, continuing her strong start to the season.

Alabama establishes control early

The Crimson Tide wasted little time taking control, opening the contest with a 30-6 advantage in the first quarter.

Aaliyah Roberson set the tone early, knocking down a three-pointer within the opening 15 seconds. Alabama's defensive pressure quickly became a problem for the Privateers, creating turnovers and opportunities in transition.

Roberson also made her presence felt around the basket, converting a transition opportunity into an and-one finish after receiving an outlet pass from Naomi Jones. West and Richards contributed to Alabama's early offensive surge, capitalizing on defensive stops with transition baskets. Torrence added consecutive driving layups, while the Tide continued forcing New Orleans into difficult possessions.

Alabama closed the opening quarter on a 15-0 run, limiting the Privateers to just six points. The offensive production continued in the second quarter, with Alabama adding another 29 points to take a 59-24 advantage into halftime.

Austin remained an important piece of the Crimson Tide's offensive attack, connecting from beyond the arc and creating opportunities off the dribble. Roberson also knocked down a three-pointer, with both baskets coming off consecutive New Orleans turnovers. The Tide's ability to turn defensive mistakes into immediate scoring opportunities allowed Alabama to maintain control throughout the first half.

Defensive pressure fuels second-half surge

Alabama showed no signs of slowing down after halftime, opening the third quarter with a 14-2 run and extending its advantage to 87-33. Jones provided an important defensive presence around the basket, recording a significant block that helped spark a transition opportunity and a three-pointer from Amirah Anderson.

The Crimson Tide continued attacking New Orleans defensively, forcing turnovers and creating opportunities in transition. West remained active on both ends of the floor, while Chambers contributed with steals, rebounds and playmaking. Torrence also continued making her presence felt in the paint, converting an and-one opportunity after receiving an assist from Richards.

Alabama's defensive performance was one of the biggest differences in the matchup. The Tide recorded 26 steals and forced 36 New Orleans turnovers, turning those mistakes into a commanding 48-2 advantage in points off turnovers. By the end of the third quarter, Alabama had built a 54-point lead, leaving little doubt about the outcome.

Balanced scoring highlights Alabama's depth

With a commanding advantage established, Alabama continued its offensive production in the fourth quarter, adding another 31 points to complete the 118-45 victory.

The final period provided an opportunity for additional players to contribute, with Brooke Coffey connecting from beyond the arc and Caitlin Staley finding success around the basket. Leah Brooks also made an impact defensively, recording a steal and converting a coast-to-coast layup. Richards continued attacking the basket, while West remained active in creating opportunities for her teammates.

Alabama's depth was particularly evident throughout the contest.

The Crimson Tide's bench outscored New Orleans 67-13, while the team finished with 70 points in the paint. Beyond its scoring production, Alabama also controlled the glass with 55 rebounds and distributed the basketball effectively, recording 27 assists on 46 made field goals. The Tide finished the night shooting 49.5 percent from the field, while limiting New Orleans to 29.4 percent shooting.

A new identity continues to take shape

Through the first two games of the regular season, Alabama has demonstrated an ability to generate offense through multiple players while applying consistent defensive pressure. West's all-around performance, Austin's continued development in the backcourt and the contributions throughout the rotation provide encouraging signs for a team still establishing its chemistry under Love.

Following the victory, Love highlighted the significance of the team's statistical accomplishments, including its 25 steals, 55 rebounds and 73-point margin of victory. The 118-point performance also marked Alabama's fourth-highest scoring total in program history. While the offensive production and defensive intensity were impressive,

Alabama will look to build on its early success as it continues developing consistency and preparing for the challenges ahead. The Crimson Tide will return to Coleman Coliseum Thursday, Nov. 5, to host Alabama A&M. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.