Little Rock defense tightens, but offense continues to struggle in loss to Alabama

Alabama entered Sunday's game averaging better than 81 points per game, and while Little Rock held the Crimson Tide well below that number, the Trojan offense still hasn't found its rhythm, resulting in a 63-39 loss at the Jack Stephens Center.
 
BOX SCORE
 
Little Rock (0-4) shot under 36 percent for the fourth time in as many games this season (31.1%) but stayed close despite its offensive troubles with a tenacious defense, trailing by just nine at intermission. Alabama (5-0) used a 14-0 run to open the third period and an 11-0 run to start the fourth, before leading by as many as 30 with six minutes left in the contest.
 
Little Rock never led, was beaten on the boards by a 39-22 margin and outscored 34-14 in the paint. The Trojans were held to just 14-of-45 shooting for the game, which included a 3-of-11 first period and 2-of-11 in the third.
 
Jayla Brooks led the Trojans with nine points thanks to three triples. She also grabbed four rebounds and swiped a pair of steals to help the defense force 22 Alabama turnovers. Faith Lee had eight points and two steals, Leilani Wimbish-Gay scored seven points and grabbed a team-high six rebounds, and Jaiyah Harris-Smith added five points and six assists.
 
Little Rock will travel to Oxford, Miss. later this week to take on No. 23 Ole Miss on Saturday at 3 pm. The next home game for the Trojans will be Dec. 2 against Central Arkansas.