Karly Weathers stepped up to score a career-high 23 points as No. 21 Alabama fended off Missouri 74-63 on Monday in Columbia, Mo.

Weathers shot 9 of 13 overall and scored 16 points in the second half, which alone was enough to surpass her previous season high of 15 points against Troy. Jessica Timmons added 16 points, Ta’Mia Scott had 15 and Weathers, Timmons and Scott each finished with seven boards for Alabama.

The Crimson Tide (17-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) entered the AP Top 25 poll earlier in the day for the first time this season.

Grace Slaughter carried Missouri (12-7, 0-4) with 23 points and nine rebounds, both game highs. Abbey Schreacke and Shannon Dowell added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Tide ended the first quarter on a 15-2 spree, but Missouri responded by finishing the second period on a 16-2 surge, cutting Alabama’s lead to 32-29. Weathers scored seven of the first 10 total points in the fourth quarter to help Alabama restore a double-digit lead it would not squander.

–Field Level Media