Sports

Second round matchups set after opening day of Emerald Coast Classic

The inaugural Emerald Coast Classic women's basketball tournament continues today with four games following Monday's first-round action at Northwest Florida State.

Jared Williams

After a day of decisive victories, the inaugural Emerald Coast Classic women’s basketball tournament enters its second round today at Northwest Florida State’s Raider Arena.

Monday’s action saw Clemson roll past UAB 90-52, while No. 24 Alabama remained undefeated with an 83-33 victory over Alabama State. In the Beach Bracket, Syracuse defeated Missouri 82-59, and Creighton topped Wichita State 91-63.

Today’s games feature UAB against Alabama State at 11 a.m., followed by Clemson facing Alabama at 1:30 p.m. The games continues with Missouri meeting Wichita State at 5 p.m., while Syracuse takes on Creighton at 7:30 p.m.

The tournament has brought together three teams that reached the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, including Alabama, Creighton, and Syracuse. Two Naismith Trophy Watch List players are featured: Creighton’s Lauren Jensen, who averages 21.3 points, and Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker, averaging 18.7 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Monday’s games also marked a milestone for Creighton head coach Jim Flanery, who coached his 700th game in the victory over Wichita State.

Alabama continues its strong season start, entering today’s matchup against Clemson with a season average victory margin of 28.7 points. The Crimson Tide, under 12th-year head coach Kristy Curry, faces a Tigers team that leads the NCAA in free throw percentage.

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