WBB opens SEC play with 85-76 over UA

The Commodores (12-4, 1-0) notch their first win in SEC play Thursday night at Alabama.

Jan. 8, 2009

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Jennifer Risper scored 17 points to lead No. 24 Vanderbilt to an 85-76 victory over Alabama on Thursday night.

Christina Wirth added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Commodores (12-4, 1-0 Southeastern Conference), Merideth Marsh scored 13 points, and Hannah Tuomi and Chanel Chisholm had 12 each.

The Commodores rebounded from consecutive losses and snapped Alabama's six-game winning streak by beating the Crimson Tide for the seventh straight time and 11 of the last 12.

Erica Russell led Alabama (12-4, 0-1) with a career-high 25 points, including 5-for-8 shooting on 3-pointers. Varisa Raffington added 16 points, Courtney Strauthers had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Tierney Jenkins scored 11 points and Alyson Butler had 10.

Vanderbilt led 51-25 in the second half before Alabama stormed back.

Russell had 15 points in the half, and her 3 with 12:53 to go got the Crimson Tide within eight. Alabama then pulled to 78-72 on Strauthers' layup with 2:49 to go.