March 13, 2002

Final Stats?|? Quotes?|? Notes

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Alabama's LaNisha Cartwell scored on an offensive putback with six seconds remaining to lift the Crimson Tide to a 68-67 victory over Missouri Wednesday night in the first round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

After Missouri's Melanie Fisher missed a free throw with 18.1 seconds remaining, Alabama brought the ball downcourt. Beth Vice and Shun Hunter both missed shots before Cartwell snared the offensive rebound and scored underneath.

Missouri's Natalie Bright attempted to give the Tigers the win but her shot before the buzzer was blocked by Hunter.

Kerensa Barr had given the Tigers a 67-66 lead when her layup after driving the lane fell in with 44 seconds remaining. The basket was part of Barr's 10-point second half outburst.

Bright was one of five Tigers who scored in double figures. Barr led the way with 15 points while Bright added 11 points. Melanie Fisher, Tracy Lozier and Evan Unrau each had 10 points. Fisher led the Tigers with a game-high nine rebounds and a career-best four steals.

Cartwell and Vice each had 15 points and eight rebounds to lead Alabama, now 18-11. The Crimson Tide will play Eastern Kentucky in the WNIT's second round.

Cartwell's putback was the fifth and final lead change in the game's final seven minutes.

The teams combined for 37 turnovers and Missouri struggled from the foul line, particularly in the second half as the Tigers made only 1-of-6 free throws. MU was 7-of-13 from the line in the game.

Missouri ends the season with a 14-15 record.