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Lewis, Alabama women win in return to NCAA tourney, top UNC

Posted March 22, 2021 7:00 am

By DOUG FEINBERG

Alabama guard Jordan Lewis shoots during the first half of a college basketball game against North Carolina in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Jordan Lewis had a career-high 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to help seventh-seeded Alabama beat No. 10 seed North Carolina 80-71 on Monday in the first round of the women's NCAA Tournament.

'œThe world saw today why Jordan Lewis is the best point guard in the SEC,'ť Alabama coach Kristy Curry said. 'œShe shares and cares and finds ways to impact us in so many different categories.'ť

It was a triumphant return to the NCAAs for the Crimson Tide (17-9), who were playing their first game in the tournament since 1999. The Crimson Tide made eight straight trips to the NCAAs from 1992-99 that included a run to the Final Four in 1994.

'œWhen I came to Alabama I told coach we'd get back on the big stage,'ť Lewis said. 'œWhen you get a moment like this, you can't miss an opportunity. ... Don't miss a chance to be great. Today we couldn't miss the opportunity."

Alabama built a 29-19 lead midway through the second quarter behind Lewis before the Tar Heels (13-11) cut it to 31-29 with 3:09 left before the half. The Crimson Tide responded scoring 10 of the next 12 points to take a 41-31 lead at the break. Lewis had five points during the closing burst and finished the first half with 18.

'œJordan Lewis was a woman amongst children at times,'ť North Carolina coach Courtney Banghart said. "They really affected us getting into the paint with the dribble.'ť

North Carolina trailed by 10 going into the fourth quarter before cutting it to 65-60 on a 3-pointer by Stephanie Watts with 6:46 left. Ariyah Copeland had a three-point play on the other end to start a 11-2 run and put the game away.

Watts led the Tar Heels with a season-high 29 points, hitting seven 3-pointers.

'œIt's March, nothing's easy. I give credit to Alabama for being able to convert on our lack of on-ball presence," Watt said. "I'm going to do whatever I can to win this ballgame. Obviously, we came up short, but my mentality was I'm just going to leave it all out there. This is my last game in a Carolina uniform.'ť

Lewis finished short of the school record of 33 points in NCAA tournament play set by Yolanda Watkins against Duke in 1995 in a quadruple-overtime game.

The senior guard also moved into fourth on the school's all-time assists list with 509, passing Shelly Pyles (1984-88).

REBOUND EDGE

Alabama came into the game knowing it had to hold its own on the boards against North Carolina, which was 10th nationally in rebounds per game. The Crimson Tide did more than just hold its own with a 46-33 advantage in rebounds.

'œWe come from a league where rebounding is critical,'ť Curry said. 'œKids have been playing against long, athletic and big all year long. I thought our kids pursued the ball.'ť

BRIGHT FUTURE

Banghart has a lot to look forward to with the freshmen class accounting for nearly 44% of the points and 50% of the assists this season while playing half the minutes.

TOURNAMENT RESUME

Curry has now taken three different teams to the NCAAs after leading Purdue (2000-06) and Texas Tech (2011, 13) into the tournament

UP NEXT

Alabama faces Maryland on Wednesday in the second round.

___'²

More AP women's college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

Alabama guard Jordan Lewis (3) passes in front of North Carolina guard Stephanie Watts (5) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

Alabama guard Jordan Lewis (3) celebrates with teammates during the first half of a college basketball game against North Carolina in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

Alabama guard Jordan Lewis picks up a loose ball ahead of North Carolina guard Stephanie Watts (5) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

North Carolina guard Alyssa Ustby drives to the basket ahead of Alabama guard Megan Abrams, left, during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

Alabama guard Jordan Lewis (3) celebrates with teammates during the second half of a college basketball game against North Carolina in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

Alabama guard Hannah Barber, center, celebrates in front of North Carolina center Janelle Bailey (44) and guard Stephanie Watts, right, during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

North Carolina players kneel during the national anthem before a college basketball game against Alabama in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

Alabama guard Hannah Barber (5) and guard Megan Abrams (1) celebrate after a college basketball game against North Carolina in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. Alabama won 80-71. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

North Carolina head coach Courtney Banghart, center, talks to her team during a timeout in the first half of a college basketball game against Alabama in the first round of the women's NCAA tournament at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Monday, March 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The Associated Press

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