TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — Jessica Timmons scored 28 points and Alabama used a dominant fourth-quarter surge to overcome a resilient Mississippi State squad 85-78 in a Southeastern Conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Coleman Coliseum.

The Crimson Tide, who improved to 18-3 overall, trailed by as many as seven points in the third quarter and entered the final period clinging to a 56-54 lead. Alabama then unleashed a 29-point fourth quarter, powered by a 13-2 run midway through the period that turned a two-point game into a decisive 71-60 advantage with just over four minutes remaining.

Mississippi State, which fell to 15-6, had taken its largest lead at 49-42 late in the third quarter behind a 12-0 run. The Lady Bulldogs’ surge was fueled by Jaylah Lampley, who scored eight of her 14 points during the stretch. Alabama responded with the final seven points of the third to regain the lead and carried that momentum into the final frame.

The most critical sequence came with Alabama leading 63-60. Karly Weathers hit a 3-pointer, and after a Mississippi State turnover, she connected on another long-range shot, assisted by Diana Collins, to push the lead to nine. The Tide’s offensive efficiency in the fourth, coupled with their defensive pressure, proved insurmountable for the visitors.

Timmons, a 5-foot-8 guard from Charlotte, North Carolina, was the catalyst throughout, adding two rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes. Her performance was a bounce-back after being held to 16 points in Alabama’s recent loss to Auburn.

Alabama’s offensive success was built on exceptional shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. The Tide made 13 of 21 3-point attempts, a 61.9% clip, and shot 52% overall from the field. They also converted 20 of 24 free throws. Mississippi State stayed competitive by hitting 18 of 21 from the foul line and winning the rebounding battle 36-30, including a 10-6 edge on the offensive glass.

Favour Nwaedozi led Mississippi State with 19 points and seven rebounds. Madison Francis added 16 points, eight rebounds and two assists for the Lady Bulldogs, who shot 45.2% from the field but just 4 of 16 from 3-point range.

Weathers finished with 13 points and six assists for Alabama, while Collins had 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Naomi Jones anchored the defense with six blocked shots and 10 points.

The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start, featuring 10 ties and 15 lead changes. Alabama led 15-14 after a low-scoring first quarter, but Mississippi State used a 29-point third quarter to briefly seize control before the Tide’s closing kick.

Alabama next travels to face Georgia on Thursday. Mississippi State continues its tough SEC road stretch at Tennessee on Thursday.

The game drew an attendance of 2,791. Alabama covered the pregame spread as a 6.5-point favorite. The total score of 163 far exceeded the over/under line of 134.5.