The Alabama women's basketball team continued its strong start to the 2026-27 season Thursday night, defeating Alabama A&M 96-43 inside Coleman Coliseum.
The Crimson Tide improved to 3-0 under first-year head coach Pauline Love, extending its regular-season nonconference winning streak to 21 games with another convincing performance.
Alabama's balanced offensive attack was led by Kylie Torrence, who finished with a team-high 18 points and eight rebounds. Alayna West added 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals, continuing her impressive start to the season. Amirah Anderson contributed 12 points and four assists, while sophomore guard Tianna Chambers recorded 11 points and a career-high six assists.
Alabama establishes early control
The Crimson Tide wasted little time setting the tone, opening the contest with a 10-0 run in the first four minutes.
Aaliyah Roberson helped spark the early offensive production with a three-pointer, while Ace Austin contributed with an early jump shot as Alabama attacked the basket and created opportunities from the perimeter. Alabama's defensive pressure also made life difficult for the Bulldogs, who struggled to establish an offensive rhythm.
The Crimson Tide closed the opening quarter on a 12-0 run, holding Alabama A&M scoreless for the final 4:49 of the period to take a commanding 24-5 advantage. Alabama A&M responded in the second quarter, finding more opportunities offensively and outscoring the Crimson Tide 17-16 during the period.
Naomi Jones provided a presence in the paint, converting multiple baskets around the rim, while West knocked down a three-pointer to help maintain Alabama's lead. Anderson and Leah Brooks also connected from beyond the arc as the Crimson Tide continued to find contributions throughout its rotation. Despite Alabama A&M's improved offensive production, the Tide entered halftime with a comfortable 40-22 advantage.
Third-quarter explosion puts Alabama in control
Whatever momentum Alabama A&M gained before halftime quickly disappeared once the teams returned to the floor. Anderson opened the second half by capitalizing on a steal and converting a three-pointer within the first 15 seconds, setting the tone for an explosive third quarter.
Alabama's defensive pressure continued to create transition opportunities, with Chambers generating a steal before finding Anderson for another scoring opportunity. West remained active on both ends of the floor, while Jones and Torrence consistently attacked the paint.
Torrence was particularly effective during the period, connecting on all five of her field-goal attempts and scoring 12 points in the third quarter alone. She found success attacking the basket, finishing through contact and knocking down a corner three-pointer as Alabama continued extending its advantage.
Anderson also provided an important offensive spark, finishing the quarter with seven points, including a layup at the buzzer off an outlet pass from West. The Crimson Tide outscored Alabama A&M 35-13 in the third quarter, taking a commanding 75-35 lead into the final period.
Crimson Tide closes out another dominant performance
Alabama maintained its defensive intensity in the fourth quarter, continuing to force difficult possessions while finding scoring opportunities throughout the lineup. Austin connected on a three-pointer early in the period before adding another from the corner as the Crimson Tide continued stretching its lead.
West also made her presence felt in transition, turning a defensive takeaway into a fast-break layup before later finding Mykelle Richards for a basket inside. The senior guard continued to showcase her offensive versatility, knocking down a three-pointer and attacking the basket as Alabama worked through the final minutes.
The Crimson Tide held Alabama A&M to just eight points in the fourth quarter, completing the 96-43 victory. Alabama finished the night shooting 57 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range. The Tide also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Bulldogs 45-24, while recording 24 assists and 16 steals.
The team's bench was another major difference, contributing 48 points compared to Alabama A&M's eight.
West embraces opportunity after transfer decision
Following the victory, West discussed her mentality entering the season and the confidence she has gained after deciding to enter the transfer portal and bet on herself.
"I feel like my mentality is I work for it. I entered the transfer portal to bet on myself and I did that. I am really happy with how I am playing right now and my decision," West said.
Torrence also pointed to the team's chemistry and the work players have put in together as important factors behind Alabama's early success.
"We understand each other. We come in every day, we work for each other. Our bond is good," Torrence said.
Love emphasized the importance of maintaining a collective mindset throughout the roster, particularly with the demanding pace of Alabama's system.
"I tell them all the time, even if they are not in the game, their mentality should be a mental rep even if you are not getting reps on the court," Love said. "The system we play is such fast paced, there is no way anybody can just play 40 minutes of it."
The first-year head coach also acknowledged the importance of mental preparation as the Crimson Tide prepares for its next challenge.
Looking ahead to Tulane
Alabama will look to carry its momentum into its first road contest of the season when it travels to New Orleans to face Tulane on Sunday, Nov. 8.
Love expects a challenging matchup against a Green Wave team that will look to disrupt Alabama's offensive rhythm with its defensive pressure.
"It's all about mental focus at this point. I told them the rim is still the same height, the ball has the same amount of air in it. Tulane is going to be really disruptive defensively. I tell them when Alabama comes into town, they want to beat you," Love said.
The Crimson Tide will look to remain undefeated and continue building its identity under Love as it prepares for its first road test of the season. Tipoff is scheduled for noon CT on ESPN2.