The second round of the NCAA Tournament pits the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Maryland Terrapins.

The second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is always filled with intense competition, high stakes, and electrifying action, and the matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Maryland Terrapins was no exception. Both teams entered this pivotal game with their eyes on the Sweet 16, but only one could emerge victorious to continue their tournament journey. For Alabama, a victory over the No. 2 seed Maryland Terrapins would mark a historic achievement, while Maryland looked to assert its dominance as a national powerhouse.

The tension was palpable as these two elite programs squared off, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses, as well as players ready to shine on the big stage. The game promised to be a thrilling contest of style, strategy, and sheer determination. From incredible individual performances to moments of collective brilliance, this second-round clash had everything fans could hope for.

Setting the Stage: Maryland’s Road to the Second Round

Before diving into the game itself, it’s important to understand the context surrounding both teams’ journeys to the second round.

Maryland, coached by Brenda Frese, entered the tournament as a No. 2 seed in the Bridgeport Region. The Terrapins were a formidable force, with a blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic playmakers. With the likes of Diamond Miller, Shakira Austin, and Katie Benzan, Maryland was seen as one of the tournament favorites, boasting a powerful offense that had averaged over 80 points per game during the regular season.

The Terrapins cruised through the first round, defeating their opponent with relative ease. Their offensive firepower and tough defense made them a difficult team to contend with, and they were looking to build on that momentum heading into the second round.

Meanwhile, Alabama entered the tournament as a No. 7 seed, with a sense of determination and a hunger to prove themselves. Under the leadership of head coach Kristy Curry, the Crimson Tide had shown remarkable growth throughout the season, and their ability to compete with top-tier teams was evident. Alabama had a roster full of talented players, including Jasmine Walker, Jordan Lewis, and Sarah Ashlee Barker—the team’s explosive and versatile scorer.

In the first round, Alabama had fought tooth and nail to overcome their opponent, winning by a slim margin in a highly competitive contest. Their victory was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to playing hard for 40 minutes, setting the stage for their date with Maryland.

Pre-Game Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

Both teams had clear strengths heading into this matchup, but it was their weaknesses that provided the most intrigue. For Maryland, their offense was their greatest weapon, but the question was whether their defense could hold up against an Alabama team with the ability to attack in a variety of ways. Alabama, on the other hand, had a strong defense but lacked the same level of offensive firepower as Maryland. If they were to pull off the upset, they would need to rely on team chemistry and excellent execution on both ends of the floor.

Maryland’s Strengths: Offense and Depth

Maryland’s strength was their potent offense, led by the versatile Diamond Miller and the dominant presence of Shakira Austin in the post. Miller, in particular, was an explosive scorer who could create her own shot from anywhere on the floor, while Austin’s ability to control the paint both offensively and defensively made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. The Terrapins also boasted great depth, with players like Ashley Owusu and Katie Benzan, who could contribute offensively and keep defenses guessing.

Alabama’s Strengths: Defense and Versatility

Alabama’s defense was arguably their biggest advantage, with the Tide being one of the top defensive teams in the nation. Their ability to create turnovers and limit easy scoring opportunities was something they would rely on against Maryland. Additionally, Alabama’s offensive strength came from their balanced attack. Sarah Ashlee Barker had proven herself as a capable scorer, while Jasmine Walker’s ability to stretch the floor and dominate inside made her a tough matchup. The Crimson Tide would need to play with pace, moving the ball quickly and efficiently to break down Maryland’s defense.

Alabama’s Weaknesses: Offensive Consistency

Despite their defensive prowess, Alabama’s offense had been inconsistent throughout the season. If their shots weren’t falling, they often struggled to create offense. This was a critical area of concern heading into the game, as Maryland’s offense was far superior to Alabama’s in terms of sheer firepower. If the Tide could not execute offensively, they risked falling behind early and allowing Maryland to take control of the game.

Maryland’s Weaknesses: Defensive Vulnerabilities

While Maryland had an explosive offense, their defense was not without its flaws. They had been prone to allowing teams to score in high numbers, particularly when facing fast-paced teams with strong ball movement. Against a team like Alabama, who had the ability to disrupt Maryland’s offense with their defense, the Terrapins would need to be wary of turning the ball over or giving up easy baskets. If Alabama could force Maryland into bad shots and capitalize on transition opportunities, they would have a chance to stay in the game.

The Game: A Back-and-Forth Battle

First Half: Maryland’s Early Lead and Alabama’s Resilience

The game started with both teams looking to set the tone early. Maryland quickly showcased their offensive firepower, with Diamond Miller knocking down a couple of early jumpers to give the Terrapins a slight advantage. Shakira Austin, a dominant presence in the paint, was an immediate threat, scoring easily around the basket and grabbing offensive rebounds to extend possessions.

However, Alabama was ready for the challenge. Sarah Ashlee Barker played a key role in keeping the Tide within striking distance, scoring on a variety of drives to the basket and knockdown mid-range jumpers. Alabama’s defense was also evident early on, as they were able to create a few key turnovers, which led to fast-break opportunities. While Maryland had the lead, Alabama was not intimidated, and by the time the first quarter ended, the score was 18-16 in favor of Maryland.

The second quarter saw Alabama fight back hard. The Tide’s defensive pressure began to frustrate Maryland, forcing them into tougher shots and more turnovers. On offense, Jasmine Walker and Jordan Lewis provided key contributions, with Walker hitting a few key threes and Lewis driving to the basket to score and draw fouls. As the half progressed, Alabama’s defense continued to stifle Maryland’s offensive rhythm, and they began to find more success in transition.

By halftime, Alabama had managed to take a 36-34 lead, thanks in large part to their defensive discipline and the scoring prowess of Barker, who had scored 14 points in the first half. Maryland, despite strong individual efforts from Miller and Austin, struggled to break down Alabama’s defense, and they had trouble converting on some key possessions.

Second Half: Maryland’s Clutch Performances and Alabama’s Fight

The second half began with both teams looking to assert themselves. Maryland came out with renewed energy, with Miller making a few key shots to give them a 40-36 lead early in the third quarter. But Alabama didn’t back down. Barker continued to carry the offensive load for the Crimson Tide, with her driving layups and quick step-back threes keeping Alabama in the game.

The game became a back-and-forth affair, with Austin dominating inside for Maryland and Barker keeping Alabama’s offense moving forward. Both teams had periods of success, with Alabama’s defense forcing turnovers and Maryland’s offense getting crucial buckets when it mattered most.

In the final minutes of the game, the intensity reached a fever pitch. With the score tied at 70-70 in the last minute of regulation, Alabama had a chance to take the lead, but Barker’s jumper rimmed out. Maryland quickly transitioned and took the lead with a clutch basket from Miller. With less than 10 seconds left in regulation, Barker had one more chance to tie the game, but her contested three-pointer missed, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime: Maryland’s Clutch Play Seals the Win

In overtime, Maryland’s experience and depth proved to be the difference. While Barker continued to play brilliantly for Alabama, the Terrapins had too many weapons. Miller, in particular, stepped up in overtime, scoring key baskets and sealing the game at the free-throw line. Despite a valiant effort from Barker and Alabama, Maryland emerged victorious, 82-77, advancing to the Sweet 16.

Post-Game Analysis: Alabama’s Resilience and Maryland’s Experience

While Alabama’s tournament run came to an end in the second round, their performance against Maryland was one to be proud of. Despite being the underdog, the Crimson Tide played with grit, determination, and heart. Sarah Ashlee Barker was the standout player of the game, scoring a team-high 28 points and keeping Alabama in the game despite Maryland’s offensive juggernaut.

For Maryland, their victory was hard-fought, with Diamond Miller and Shakira Austin proving to be too much in the end. Their ability to execute in clutch moments, particularly

in overtime, was what ultimately secured the win.

In the end, while Alabama’s season may have ended prematurely, their performance in the second round was a testament to their growth and potential. For Maryland, the victory was another step toward their ultimate goal of a national championship.