In the NCAA Tournament, Alabama loses to Maryland in 2OT after giving up a significant lead.

In one of the most electrifying games of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Alabama Crimson Tide suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Maryland Terrapins, losing 111-108 in double overtime. The second-round battle was an emotional rollercoaster, as Alabama squandered a 17-point second-half lead, allowing Maryland to claw back and eventually secure the victory in one of the most memorable tournament games in recent history.

A Game of Swings

The matchup between No. 5 seed Alabama and No. 4 seed Maryland started with a fast-paced first half. Maryland controlled the early stages, jumping out to a 31-21 lead in the first quarter, led by their standout guard Shyanne Sellers. However, Alabama adjusted defensively in the second quarter and went on an impressive run, heading into halftime with a slim 47-45 advantage.

The Crimson Tide built upon their momentum in the third quarter, storming out to a 17-point lead behind the heroic performance of Sarah Ashlee Barker. Barker was nearly unstoppable, hitting clutch shots from beyond the arc, driving aggressively to the basket, and showing poise at the free-throw line. At one point, it seemed like Alabama was poised to coast into the Sweet 16. But basketball is a game of runs, and Maryland had one last push left in them.

Maryland’s Gritty Comeback

Facing a significant deficit late in the third quarter, Maryland displayed resilience and determination. Led by the electrifying play of Sarah Te-Biasu and the leadership of Sellers, the Terrapins mounted a furious rally, tightening up on defense and capitalizing on Alabama’s missed opportunities. They whittled away at the lead, and by the final minute of regulation, the game was within reach.

With Alabama leading by three and time winding down, Maryland’s Brinae Alexander hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 86-86. Alabama had one last chance in regulation but failed to convert, sending the game into its first overtime.

Overtime Drama

The first overtime period was filled with back-and-forth action. Maryland briefly took a lead, but Alabama responded each time with big plays from Barker and Aaliyah Nye. However, Maryland’s defensive adjustments proved crucial in slowing Alabama’s attack. With one second remaining in overtime and Alabama trailing by three, Barker was fouled on a three-point attempt. In a high-pressure moment, she stepped up and sank all three free throws, extending the game to double overtime.

In the second overtime, Maryland’s depth and endurance made the difference. Te-Biasu delivered a spectacular performance, scoring eight of her 26 points in the period. A critical three-pointer with under a minute left gave Maryland a five-point cushion. Alabama fought to the end, but a late turnover sealed their fate, and Maryland celebrated a dramatic 111-108 victory.

Barker’s Record-Breaking Performance

Despite the loss, Sarah Ashlee Barker etched her name into the history books with an unforgettable performance. She finished with a career-high 45 points, the highest-scoring individual performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament so far. Her stat line was remarkable: 17-of-25 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range, and 7-of-11 from the free-throw line. She also contributed eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Her effort was historic, marking the fourth-highest point total in NCAA Tournament history by an SEC player.

Alabama head coach Kristy Curry praised Barker’s effort, saying, “She gave everything she had out there. It was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. It’s tough to come up short, but I’m incredibly proud of this team.”

Maryland’s Balanced Attack

While Barker stole the show individually, Maryland’s victory was a testament to their team-oriented play. Shyanne Sellers led the team with 28 points, displaying leadership and clutch shot-making. Sarah Te-Biasu’s 26 points proved crucial, especially in the second overtime, where she took over the game with key buckets and defensive stops. Brinae Alexander added 19 points, including the game-tying three-pointer that forced overtime.

Head coach Brenda Frese credited her team’s resilience, stating, “We never gave up. We stuck to our game plan, trusted each other, and kept pushing. This win is a testament to our team’s character.”

A Game for the History Books

The combined 219 points between Maryland and Alabama marked the second-highest scoring game in NCAA Women’s Tournament history, trailing only a 1995 quadruple-overtime battle between Duke and Alabama (241 total points). It was also Maryland’s second-largest comeback in tournament history, trailing only their 2012 rally from 18 points down against Texas A&M.

For Alabama, the loss was a devastating end to what had been a promising season. The Crimson Tide finished the year with a 25-9 record, having exceeded many preseason expectations. Despite the heartbreak, Barker’s performance will be remembered as one of the greatest individual efforts in tournament history.

What’s Next?

With the victory, Maryland advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face top-seeded and reigning national champion South Carolina. The Terrapins will need to bring their best game to pull off another upset, but their performance against Alabama proved they have the resilience to compete with the best.

For Alabama, the focus now shifts to the offseason. While they will lose key contributors, the future remains bright with a strong recruiting class and returning talent. Barker’s legacy is secure, but Alabama will undoubtedly look to build on this tournament experience and make a deeper run next season.

The Alabama-Maryland showdown was everything a March Madness classic should be: thrilling, emotional, and filled with unforgettable performances. While Alabama’s season ends in heartbreak, they exit the tournament with heads held high, knowing they left everything on the court. Meanwhile, Maryland continues its journey, hoping to build on this momentum in their pursuit of a national championship.