Nov. 13, 2007

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Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford women's basketball team defeated Alabama, 48-46, Tuesday night in the first regular-season game in the new Pete Hanna Center, and it was also Samford's first-ever win over an SEC opponent.

"I can't say enough about our players," Samford head coach Mike Morris said. "We had the right mindset coming in, because Alabama, no matter where we are playing them, is going to be tough. This was a great win and a special night on a lot of fronts. With the opening of the Pete Hanna Center, we had a great atmosphere."

The game marked Samford's first win over Alabama in eight tries, and the program's first win over an SEC school in 11 tries.

Samford (1-1) was led by Alex Munday, Taryn Towns and Monica Maxwell with 10 points each. Freshman Emily London added nine points, and fellow freshman Savannah Hill had a team-high nine rebounds to go along with her six points.

Alabama (0-2) was led by Dedrea Magee with 13 points. Caitlin Hollifield and Daleisha Carn added 10 points each.

In the first half, Samford jumped out to an early 13-2 lead after a jumper by Hill with 10:48 to go in the half. Alabama then went on an 8-2 run to cut the lead to 15-10 with 8:19 to go after a basket by Hollifield. Alabama fought back to take an 18-17 lead with 2:18 to go, but two late free throws by London gave Samford a 19-18 lead at halftime.

Samford extended its lead to 10 at 32-22 with 14:24 to go in the game after a jumper by Munday. The teams traded baskets for several minutes, until Samford pushed its lead to 12 at 44-32 with 6:25 to go after a jumper by Munday.

With Samford leading, 47-39, Alabama went on a 7-1 run to cut the lead to two at 48-46 with 40 seconds to go, but Samford was able to hold on for the two-point win.

Samford will return to action on Friday, Nov. 16, when the Bulldogs play host to Princeton in the consolation bracket of the WNIT. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start.