Coach Rick Moody

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Natasha Gamble led all scorers with 23 points and Monique Bivins added 22, but Alabama Crimson Tide could not contain the fifth-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols, falling 94-81 on Sunday afternoon at Coleman Coliseum.

The game carried special significance for the Tide’s departing senior class, led by Gamble, Bivins and Katie Sipe, who played their final games inside Coleman Coliseum. Sunday’s game was also the final home game for Alabama basketball’s all-time winningest head coach, Rick Moody. Moody announced his retirement last week, effective at the end of this season.

The Tide hung tough with the high-powered Lady Vols early, jumping out to a two-point lead halfway through the first half. But Tennessee got strong defensive play from center Tye’sha Fluker and timely buckets from forward Brittany Jackson. Tennessee took a 52-36 lead into the break.

“We had a lot of looks in the first half, but they just didn’t go,” Moody said. “It was really fun in the second half. That was the way I’ve been to get them to play the last two years.”

Alabama never got closer than 10 points for the remainder of the game, as Tennessee shot nearly 58 percent from the field in the second period. As fouls started to mount against the Tide, the Vols took advantage at the charity stripe, knocking down 30 of their 35 free-throw attempts.

The Tide shot well in the second half, nailing nearly 57 percent of their shots from the floor. Alabama picked up 18 assists on the afternoon, three more than Tennessee. Alabama also out-rebounded the Lady Vols on the offensive glass, 13-12.

Shyra Ely and Nicky Anosike each scored 19 points to pace the Lady Vols.

After the game, Moody briefly reflected on his sixteen year career at the Capstone.

“Well, I need to be the one who says ‘thanks,’” Moody said. “I have been blessed.

“Give God the glory because it is an amazing story. We’ve done it the right way for 16 years, and I hope we have made this University proud in the process. I hope we have taught these girls something about life.”

Alabama concludes the regular season with a 13-14 overall record and a 4-10 mark in Southeastern Conference play. Tennessee improves to 23-4 on the season and 13-1 in conference action. Both teams will travel to Greenville, S.C., to compete in the 2005 SEC Tournament.

The Tide enters the SEC Tournament as the ninth seed and will play either Mississippi State or Florida in the tourney opener at 1 p.m. (ET) on Thursday at the Bi-Lo Center.

PHOTO GALLERY:

A group of alumni players poses for a shot before the game.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)

Coach Pat Summit chats with Coach Moody before the game.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)

Coach Moody huddles up with his players in the locker room.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)

Coach Moody greets his graduating seniors on Senior Day.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)

Athletic Director Mal Moore shakes hands with Coach Moody as the seniors are recognized before the game.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)

Katie Sipe gets a hug in before her final appearance at Coleman Coliseum.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)

The senior class of 2005 is recognized before the game.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)

Monique Bivins and Navonda Moore get fired up.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)

Monique Bivins drives toward the basket.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)

A Lauren Hill fan lets his feelings be known.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)

A group of Tide fans show their appreciation for Coach Moody.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)

Natasha Gamble takes a long-range shot.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)

Lateefah Joye puts up a shot under the basket.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)

Coach Moody talks strategy with Kate Mastin.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)

Kate Mastin works against a Tennessee defender.
(Photo by Kent Gidley)

Navonda Moore tries to get around a defender.
(Photo by Michelle Lepianka)