No. 7 Tennessee women bounce back to beat Alabama

Alabama guard Jessica Merritt (33) and guard Shafontaye Myers (12) pressure Tennessee guard Briana Bass (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP/Michelle Lepianka Carter)

Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt watches from the bench during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP/Michelle Lepianka Carter)

Alabama guard Khristin Lee (22) pressures Tennessee guard Briana Bass (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP/Michelle Lepianka Carter)

Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt signs autographs for fans after an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. Tennessee won 86-56. (AP/Michelle Lepianka Carter)

Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP/Michelle Lepianka Carter)

Tennessee forward Alicia Manning (15) dribbles the ball downcourt during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. (AP/Michelle Lepianka Carter)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Tennessee was determined to bounce back from the second-worst loss in program history. With a matchup against slumping Alabama, it was an easy task.

Shekinna Stricklen scored 14 points and Glory Johnson added 13 to lead the No. 7 Lady Vols to an 86-56 win over the Crimson Tide on Thursday night.

Kamiko Williams and Isabelle Harrison chipped in 10 points apiece for the Lady Vols (15-5, 6-1 Southeastern Conference), who rebounded from a 72-44 setback at No. 2 Notre Dame on Monday.

"We were happy with the pace we played," said Tennessee assistant coach Holly Warlick. "Obviously, we wanted to score. We wanted an up-tempo game. I thought the first half, Alabama hung tough with us."

Kyra Crosby had 15 points and five rebounds as the Crimson Tide (10-11, 0-7 SEC) lost their seventh straight.

Tennessee jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the game's first 2 minutes and was comfortably ahead for most of the opening half. The Vols led by 15 points at the break.

"To have a good start, I think that helps our team a lot, gives us a lot of confidence and warns people for next time," said Johnson

The Vols had only four turnovers compared to Alabama's eight. Tennessee also won the rebounding battle 24-17.

"What I thought happened in the first half is if we'd made some free throws, maybe kept the score a little bit closer, it might've been a different type basketball game," said Alabama head coach Wendell Hudson. "But from the effort standpoint, Tennessee is a very good basketball team, and I thought we competed."

Tennessee scored 25 points off 22 turnovers, including 11 steals.

The Vols shot 45 percent from the field (32 of 71) but just 21 percent of its 3-point attempts (4 for 19). Alabama's performance from long range was much worse; the Tide went 1-for 14.