Alabama Women’s Basketball Squanders Second Half Lead, Falls in Double-Overtime in NCAA Tournament

Introduction: A Heartbreaking Defeat

In one of the most exhilarating and emotionally charged games of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Alabama Crimson Tide women’s basketball team found themselves on the losing end of a double-overtime thriller, falling 111-108 to the Maryland Terrapins. The game, which took place on March 24, 2025, in the second round of the tournament, will be remembered as a heartbreaker for the Crimson Tide, who led for most of the contest but were ultimately undone by missed opportunities and Maryland’s resilience.

This game had everything: incredible individual performances, stunning momentum shifts, and a dramatic conclusion that kept fans on the edge of their seats. It wasn’t just a game of skill but one of sheer willpower, with both teams giving everything they had in pursuit of victory. Despite holding a commanding lead for much of the second half, Alabama’s inability to close out the game proved costly, as Maryland mounted a heroic comeback, sending the game into overtime and then securing the win after a pulsating second extra period.

The First Half: Alabama’s Early Domination

From the opening tip, Alabama seemed to have control of the game. With their aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, the Crimson Tide took an early lead and looked poised to carry that momentum into the locker room. Alabama’s star player, Sarah Ashlee Barker, who has been a consistent force throughout the season, played a pivotal role in establishing the early advantage. Barker’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with her leadership on both ends of the floor, gave Alabama the edge as they dictated the tempo.

The Crimson Tide were efficient offensively, shooting nearly 50% from the field in the first half, while their defense kept Maryland from finding any rhythm. Alabama’s ability to stifle the Terrapins’ offense was apparent as they forced several turnovers and contested every shot. By halftime, Alabama had a comfortable lead, 53-45, with Barker leading all scorers with 18 points.

The Terrapins, on the other hand, struggled to execute their offense effectively. Their shooting was inconsistent, and they had difficulty breaking through Alabama’s defensive pressure. Despite this, Maryland’s All-American guard, Shyanne Sellers, kept the game from getting out of hand, scoring 12 points in the first half and keeping her team within striking distance.

The Second Half: Alabama’s Struggles and Maryland’s Resilience

As the second half began, Alabama’s lead appeared to be insurmountable. They started strong, with Barker continuing to dominate, scoring effortlessly in both transition and in the half court. At one point, Alabama had stretched their lead to 14 points, and fans in the stands were beginning to believe the game was slipping away from Maryland. The Crimson Tide’s defense, which had been so effective in the first half, was still causing problems for the Terrapins, who seemed to have no answers for Alabama’s swarming pressure.

However, as the clock ticked down, cracks started to appear in Alabama’s game. The Terrapins slowly began to chip away at the lead. Maryland’s defense, which had been porous in the first half, adjusted. The Terrapins started to pick up their defensive intensity, limiting Alabama’s easy baskets and forcing several key turnovers. The momentum began to shift.

A key moment in the game came midway through the second half when Alabama’s offense went cold. After a blistering first half, they struggled to execute their sets, missing easy shots and turning the ball over at critical junctures. This allowed Maryland to go on a 12-2 run, cutting the Crimson Tide’s lead to just two points with just under four minutes left in regulation.

Maryland’s comeback was spearheaded by their dynamic backcourt duo: Sellers and Sarah Te-Biasu. Sellers, who had struggled in the first half, found her rhythm in the second, scoring 10 of her 24 points in the final minutes of regulation. Te-Biasu, known for her clutch shooting, hit a critical three-pointer with under a minute remaining to tie the game at 88-88, sending it into overtime.

Overtime Drama: Alabama’s Missed Opportunities

In the first overtime period, both teams exchanged blows, with neither side able to gain a significant advantage. Alabama, despite having a chance to win, struggled to find a consistent rhythm on offense. Barker, who had been so dominant throughout the game, was visibly fatigued after playing nearly 40 minutes of basketball. Still, she managed to hit key shots to keep Alabama within striking distance.

With under 30 seconds remaining in the first overtime, Alabama had a chance to win the game. After a missed Maryland shot, the Crimson Tide had possession with a chance to hold for the final shot. However, Alabama’s offensive set broke down, and Barker was forced to take a contested three-pointer at the buzzer, which missed.

The game was still tied, and the contest moved into a second overtime period.

The Final Act: Maryland’s Resilience and Alabama’s Heartbreak

The second overtime was an emotional rollercoaster. Both teams were exhausted, but Maryland showed why they are considered one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. They were opportunistic, capitalizing on every mistake Alabama made, and their defense tightened when it mattered most. In contrast, Alabama seemed to lose their composure at critical moments.

The turning point came with just over a minute remaining in the second overtime. Alabama had a chance to take a three-point lead when Barker, who had been fouled, stepped to the free-throw line. The pressure of the moment seemed to get to her, as she missed both of her free throws. On the ensuing possession, Maryland’s Te-Biasu grabbed a crucial rebound and raced down the court. She found Sellers on the wing, who knocked down a clutch three-pointer to give Maryland a 109-106 lead with just 40 seconds left.

Alabama had one last chance to tie the game, but after a missed layup and a turnover, the Terrapins secured the victory. A free throw by Te-Biasu with less than 10 seconds remaining sealed the win for Maryland, 111-108.

The Aftermath: An Emotional Loss for Alabama

For the Alabama Crimson Tide, this game will be remembered as one that slipped away. They had the game in their hands but failed to execute when it mattered most. Barker’s 45-point performance was an incredible individual effort, but the lack of scoring support from her teammates in the second half and overtime proved to be Alabama’s downfall. The Crimson Tide’s failure to close out the game in regulation and overtime, coupled with missed free throws and untimely turnovers, left them with a feeling of disbelief as they walked off the court.

Head coach Kristy Curry expressed her disappointment after the game, praising her team’s effort but acknowledging the missed opportunities. “We fought hard, but we made too many mistakes when it counted,” she said. “We have to learn from this and grow, because this game was a reminder of how important every possession is, especially in the tournament.”

The Players’ Reactions: A Gracious Defeat

Despite the heartbreak, Alabama’s players remained resilient and gracious in defeat. Sarah Ashlee Barker, who had carried the team throughout the game, gave credit to Maryland for their composure and resilience. “It was a tough loss, but Maryland is a great team. They never gave up, and they made big plays when they needed them,” said Barker, holding back tears. “We just have to keep our heads up. We worked hard this season, and we can’t let one game define us.”

Maryland’s head coach, Brenda Frese, was full of praise for her team’s resilience, especially in the face of such a tough challenge. “This is what March Madness is all about. Both teams left everything on the floor, and we just found a way to make one more play than they did,” she said.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Alabama

While this loss was a painful one for Alabama, the Crimson Tide have a bright future ahead. With players like Barker, who can carry the team on her back, and a young core that has shown potential throughout the season, Alabama’s program is on the rise. Despite the disappointment of this tournament exit, there is optimism in Tuscaloosa for the seasons to come.

For now, Alabama must look forward to the lessons learned from this crushing defeat. As they regroup and reflect, they can take solace in the knowledge that they were one shot away from advancing to the next round. It was a game they could have won, but in the end, Maryland’s determination and execution in the clutch were too much to overcome.