Birmingham, AL, October 17, 2025
News Summary
In their season opener, the Alabama women’s basketball team defeated Florida State 91-71 in an exhibition match held in Birmingham. With four players scoring in double figures, Essence Cody and Jessica Timmons led the team with 16 points each. This match was part of the ‘Ballin’ in Boutwell’ event, showcasing both men’s and women’s teams. The game highlights the team’s strong start as they navigate a roster reshuffle, aiming to build on their previous successful season.
Birmingham, Ala. – Alabama women’s basketball opened their 2025-26 season with a strong performance, defeating Florida State 91-71 in an exhibition match held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Blessing Auditorium. This victory marks a positive start for the Crimson Tide as they look to build on their past successes.
A total of 12 Alabama student-athletes took part in the highly anticipated game, with four players reaching double figures in scoring. Essence Cody and Jessica Timmons led the team with 16 points each. Karly Weathers added 11 points to the tally, while Ace Austin contributed 10 points. In terms of rebounding, Cody and Weathers each recorded seven rebounds, and Ta’Mia Scott collected six.
Florida State’s performance was highlighted by Sydney Bowles, who emerged as the leading scorer for her team with 21 points, while Pania Davis gathered nine rebounds, showcasing the Seminoles’ efforts during the match.
The exhibition was part of the “Ballin’ in Boutwell” event, a celebration of basketball that also featured Alabama’s men’s team facing Florida State later that same day. This match served as the first of a scheduled two-game exhibition series, with the second encounter set for November 28, 2025. Notably, the game was streamed on the Hibbett YouTube channel, but it was not available on traditional television.
The Alabama women’s basketball program has undergone significant offseason changes, including the departure of four players and the addition of five transfers, alongside four new recruits. This restructuring comes after a successful previous season where the team finished with a 28-9 overall record and reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament for two consecutive years.
On the other hand, Florida State is adjusting to a new leadership structure, having seen former head coach Leonard Hamilton retire after more than 20 years, with Luke Loucks stepping in as the new head coach for the 2025-26 season. The historical matchup between Alabama and Florida State is now tied at 8-8, with their first game occurring on December 14, 1959. The last meeting between the two teams prior to this exhibition was on November 27, 2009, resulting in a 60-51 victory for Florida State.
This win is a promising sign for the Alabama women’s basketball team as they embark on a new season filled with fresh opportunities and challenges.
Key Player Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essence Cody | 16 | 7 | Alabama |
| Jessica Timmons | 16 | – | Alabama |
| Karly Weathers | 11 | 7 | Alabama |
| Ace Austin | 10 | – | Alabama |
| Sydney Bowles | 21 | – | Florida State |
| Pania Davis | – | 9 | Florida State |
FAQ
What was the final score of the Alabama vs. Florida State exhibition game?
The final score was Alabama women’s basketball 91, Florida State 71.
When did the exhibition game take place?
The game took place on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Where was the exhibition held?
The game was held in Boutwell Auditorium, Birmingham, Ala.
How many Alabama players scored in double figures?
Four Alabama players scored in double figures during the game.
Who were the leading scorers for Alabama?
Essence Cody and Jessica Timmons both led Alabama with 16 points each.
When will the second exhibition against Florida State take place?
The second exhibition against Florida State is scheduled for November 28, 2025.
What recent changes have occurred in the Alabama women’s basketball team?
Alabama women’s basketball has seen significant offseason changes, with four outgoing and five incoming transfers, in addition to four new recruits.
What was Alabama’s overall record last season?
Alabama finished the previous season with a 28-9 overall record and reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament for the past two years.
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Additional Resources
- Seminoles.com: Bowles Leads All Scorers
- Wikipedia: Alabama Crimson Tide Women’s Basketball
- Roll Tide: Women’s Basketball Defeats Florida State
- Google Search: Florida State Women’s Basketball
- 247 Sports: Florida State Women’s Basketball Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Rocket City Now: Alabama Women Defeat Florida State
- Google Scholar: Women’s Basketball Alabama Florida State
- Tuscaloosa News: Alabama Basketball vs. FSU
- Google News: Women’s Basketball Alabama Florida State
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
