TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama used a strong second half performance Sunday to distance themselves from Mississippi Valley State and upend the Devilettes, 71-40, at Foster Auditorium. 

It marked the final non-conference game for the Devilettes (2-9), who open SWAC action Saturday, Jan. 3 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. 

On Sunday, MVSU led by as much as four points in the first half before Alabama tied the game at 14 with nine minutes remaining. 

The Rolling Tide went into halftime with a 29-22 lead over the Devilettes and outscored MVSU 42-18 in the second half. 

Ashley Beals and Christina Reed each had 10 points for Valley, who shot 27.5 percent and 10-of-13 from the free throw line. 

Valley will play its first SWAC home doubleheader Jan. 10 against Alabama A&M at 2 p.m. at the Leflore County Civic Center.