Next Game: Southeastern Louisiana 11/7/2018 | 7 p.m. CT SEC Network + 93.3 FM

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama women's basketball team wrapped up exhibition play on Thursday night, defeating Mississippi College 82-53 inside Coleman Coliseum.

"That was a really good experience for us tonight," head coach Kristy Curry said. "I thought that Ariyah (Copeland) really came in and did some great things for us. She just continues to get better every day. De'Sha (Benjamin) is continuing to grow too. I really accredit these two (Copeland and Benjamin) who I thought played really hard and really well for us and came in to give us a spark off the bench."

The Crimson Tide were led by freshman De'Sha Benjamin's 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while sophomore Ariyah Copeland was one point away from a double-double after finishing with nine points and 14 boards. Junior Jordan Lewis added 13 points and junior Ashley Knight was a defensive force for the Tide, racking up seven blocked shots. Junior Jasmine Walker also had a solid game with 11 points and eight rebounds.

Alabama held the 17-15 lead heading into the second period and closed out the second quarter on a 16-4 run to carry the 38-32 advantage into the halftime break.

The Crimson Tide gained separation from the Lady Choctaws in the third and entered the final quarter of play with a 57-41 lead. Alabama continued to pour on the points in the fourth quarter en route to the 82-53 victory.

The Crimson Tide shot 48 percent (31-of-65) from the field and held the Lady Choctaws to just 29 percent (20-of-68) shooting. UA controlled the paint, outrebounding Mississippi College 52-37 and blocking 14 total shots.

The Tide will open up regular season play on Wednesday, Nov. 7, when it takes on Southeastern Louisiana. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT inside Coleman Coliseum with the game airing live on SEC Network +.

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