Roll Call, January 13, 2025: Aaliyah Nye Scores 32 Points as Alabama Wins Against Ole Miss

In a thrilling showdown between two SEC powerhouses, the Alabama Crimson Tide triumphed over the Ole Miss Rebels in a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. On January 13, 2025, Alabama’s star player, Aaliyah Nye, put on an outstanding performance, scoring a game-high 32 points and leading her team to a crucial victory. Her remarkable offensive display, combined with key contributions from her teammates, ensured Alabama’s dominance on both ends of the floor and resulted in a resounding 83-70 win at Coleman Coliseum.

This game was important not only in terms of SEC standings but also as a barometer for both teams’ aspirations this season. The contest saw two squads with high expectations clashing head-to-head, each aiming to continue their momentum in the race for the top spots in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament.

Aaliyah Nye’s Explosive Performance

Aaliyah Nye’s exceptional performance was the highlight of the night, as the talented junior guard showcased her ability to score from all areas of the court. Nye’s 32 points came on an efficient 12-of-18 shooting performance, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, and she also contributed 4 assists and 3 steals. Her offensive versatility was on full display as she hit deep three-pointers, made strong drives to the basket, and created opportunities for her teammates.

Her performance helped Alabama overcome a tough start and secure the win, as she scored 12 of her 32 points in the crucial fourth quarter, helping the Crimson Tide seal the game. The Rebels were simply unable to slow Nye down, as she used her speed and agility to carve through Ole Miss’ defense, creating open shots for herself and her teammates.

“I just felt like I was in a rhythm tonight,” Nye said after the game. “My teammates were getting me the ball in the right spots, and that made all the difference. We all have to stay focused and keep playing as a team. This is a big win for us.”

Nye’s 32-point performance was the highest of her career, and it served as a statement that she is ready to lead the Crimson Tide on a deep postseason run. Her ability to rise to the occasion in big games is one of the defining aspects of her game, and she is increasingly becoming one of the most feared players in the SEC.

Team Effort Fuels Alabama’s Victory

While Aaliyah Nye stole the show with her scoring outburst, Alabama’s overall performance was a team effort that showcased their depth and unselfishness. The Crimson Tide’s offense was well-rounded, with key contributions from several players throughout the game.

Senior forward Kendall Thomas added 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, providing a solid inside presence and playing a key role in limiting Ole Miss’ second-chance opportunities. Her physicality in the paint helped neutralize the Rebels’ post players and allowed Alabama to control the tempo of the game.

Sophomore guard Maya Reed also played a pivotal role in Alabama’s win, scoring 9 points and dishing out 5 assists. Reed’s court vision and ability to break down defenses with her speed were crucial in breaking down Ole Miss’ zone defense and generating open looks for Nye and others. Her playmaking ability was especially important in the first half when the Crimson Tide struggled to get into a rhythm offensively.

Defensively, Alabama did a solid job of limiting Ole Miss’ scoring opportunities, especially in the second half. The Crimson Tide forced 14 turnovers and converted them into 16 points, showing their ability to capitalize on mistakes and transition into fast-break opportunities. While Ole Miss did have stretches of strong play, Alabama’s defense proved too formidable as the game wore on.

“We’re a team that feeds off of our defense,” head coach Jordan Smith said postgame. “When we’re able to create turnovers and get out in transition, we’re tough to beat. Aaliyah obviously had a great game, but this was a total team effort.”

Ole Miss’ Fight, But Fall Short

Ole Miss entered this game with high expectations, having started the season strong and showing signs of becoming a serious contender in the SEC. Despite their best efforts, the Rebels could not slow down Alabama’s offensive onslaught and ultimately fell short in their bid for an upset.

The Rebels were led by senior forward Tara Daniels, who scored 24 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Daniels was a consistent force for Ole Miss throughout the game, especially in the first half, where she helped keep the game close with her scoring and rebounding. However, Ole Miss struggled to find scoring balance outside of Daniels, and the lack of a consistent second scoring option proved to be their downfall.

Point guard Maya Smith also chipped in with 10 points and 6 assists, but she had difficulty matching the tempo set by Alabama’s fast breaks and efficient offense. Despite Ole Miss’ efforts to slow the game down and limit Alabama’s transition opportunities, the Rebels found themselves unable to contain Nye in the second half.

Ole Miss’ head coach, Emily Adams, praised her team’s effort but acknowledged that they needed to be more disciplined in their defensive rotations and ball movement. “We have to give credit to Alabama; they played an outstanding game tonight,” she said. “We just didn’t execute as well as we needed to, and their defense really disrupted our offense.”

Key Moments of the Game

The first half of the game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads and momentum. Ole Miss held a slim lead heading into the second quarter, as their defense seemed to keep Alabama’s offense off-balance. However, Nye’s three-pointer late in the second quarter helped Alabama take a 41-38 lead into halftime, setting the stage for an exciting second half.

The third quarter was a critical turning point, as Alabama’s offense began to click into gear. Aaliyah Nye’s hot shooting ignited a 10-0 run that gave Alabama an 11-point lead midway through the quarter. Ole Miss attempted to rally, but the Crimson Tide defense, led by Kendall Thomas and Maya Reed, kept the Rebels from getting any closer than 6 points.

In the final period, Nye’s scoring ability proved to be the difference. With Alabama up by 5 points with just under five minutes remaining, Nye hit two quick three-pointers that gave her team an insurmountable lead. The Rebels had no answers for her shooting, and as Alabama extended its lead, Ole Miss was forced to foul in the final moments, leading to a comfortable win for the Crimson Tide.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Alabama improves to 13-2 on the season and 4-1 in SEC play, solidifying their position as one of the conference’s top teams. The Crimson Tide will look to build on this victory as they continue their tough SEC schedule. Next up for Alabama is a road trip to face the Arkansas Razorbacks, a team that has been improving rapidly this season.

For Ole Miss, the loss drops their record to 11-4 overall and 2-3 in SEC play. While the Rebels will be disappointed with the outcome, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game. With a team full of talented players like Tara Daniels and Maya Smith, Ole Miss remains a dangerous team in the SEC, and they will be looking to bounce back in their next matchup against Kentucky.