Reserves lift No. 22 Mississippi State past Alabama 66-50

Jan 18, 2016, 06:33 pm

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Kendra Grant and Morgan Williams came off the bench to score 17 and 12 points, respectively, to lead No. 15 Mississippi State to a 66-50 win over Alabama on Sunday.

The defense for the Bulldogs (19-2, 4-2 SEC) was dominant, holding the Crimson Tide (11-9, 0-5) to 30 percent shooting, just 1 of 7 from 3-point range, and forcing 22 turnovers.

Another reserve, Martha Alwal, grabbed 10 rebounds, had three steals and blocked three of the seven shots the Bulldogs rejected.

Meoshonti Knight led Alabama with 13 points, hitting 9 of 10 free throws as the Crimson Tide went 23 of 31 from the line.

Mississippi State shot just 37.5 percent from the field but hit six 3s and made 18 of 22 free throws.

Alabama was within five midway through the second half but the Bulldogs had an 11-0 run in the closing minutes.