Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Faces Tough Loss to Alabama
On January 26, 2025, the Vanderbilt Commodores women’s basketball team faced the Alabama Crimson Tide in a highly anticipated SEC showdown at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Despite an energetic second-half comeback, the Commodores fell short, suffering a 75-70 defeat to the nationally ranked Alabama team. The loss dropped Vanderbilt’s record to 16-5 overall and 3-4 in SEC play, while Alabama improved to 18-3 and 5-2 in the conference.
Pre-Game Expectations: A High Stakes Matchup
Both teams entered the game with impressive records, but Alabama was the clear favorite. Ranked No. 19 in the nation, the Crimson Tide boasted a potent offense led by senior guard Zaay Green, a top scorer in the SEC. Vanderbilt, while not ranked, was riding a strong season with a balanced attack and solid defense. The Commodores, led by junior forward Khamil Pierre, had been performing well in the conference, but their task against Alabama was daunting. They knew that slowing down Alabama’s offensive firepower and maintaining their own scoring rhythm would be key to pulling off the upset.
First Half: Alabama Takes Control Early
From the opening tip, it was clear that Alabama had come to play. Behind a well-organized offense and stifling defense, the Crimson Tide quickly established control of the game. Green came out firing, scoring 12 points in the first quarter alone. Vanderbilt struggled to keep up, with their offense appearing disjointed at times. Although Pierre led the Commodores early with some mid-range jump shots, they found themselves trailing 22-12 at the end of the first period.
The second quarter did not fare much better for Vanderbilt. Alabama’s defense was relentless, forcing the Commodores into tough shot selections, and blocking three of their attempts. Despite solid contributions from guard Olivia McGinnis and forward Devin McGlockton, Vanderbilt’s shooting woes continued, especially from long range. By halftime, the Commodores were down 48-31, a deficit that seemed almost insurmountable at the time. Alabama had established dominance not only in scoring but also in rebounding, outpacing Vanderbilt on the boards by a significant margin.
Second Half: Vanderbilt’s Resilience and Alabama’s Response
Coming out of the locker room, Vanderbilt showed signs of life. Coach Shea Ralph’s halftime adjustments clearly focused on increasing the tempo and pushing the ball up the court. Freshman guard Tyler Nickel, who had been quiet in the first half, hit three consecutive three-pointers to ignite a rally for the Commodores. The crowd at Coleman Coliseum began to sense the momentum shifting as the Commodores trimmed the deficit to 53-42 midway through the third quarter.
However, Alabama was not about to let Vanderbilt off the hook. Green continued to showcase why she’s one of the best players in the SEC, scoring with ease and finding her teammates for open shots. The Crimson Tide responded to the Commodores’ scoring surge with a 12-0 run that once again stretched the lead to 67-45 with just over 12 minutes left in the game. Alabama’s offense was clicking on all cylinders, and their defense was stifling.
Vanderbilt, however, wasn’t ready to roll over. They mounted a late surge, with McGlockton dominating inside the paint. The senior forward finished the game with a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, many of them coming during the Commodores’ late rally. McGinnis also had a strong showing, contributing 11 points, including some crucial baskets in the final minutes. Despite the effort, Alabama’s lead proved too much to overcome, as they held on for the 75-70 victory.
Key Player Performances: A Tale of Two Stars
For Vanderbilt, McGlockton’s performance was a bright spot. Her double-double showed her ability to impact the game in multiple ways, and her presence in the post gave the Commodores a much-needed lift during their comeback attempt. McGinnis also showed resilience and poise under pressure, keeping the Commodores competitive when they could have folded. However, Khamil Pierre, who had been averaging nearly 15 points per game, struggled throughout the night, shooting just 5 of 15 from the field. Her inability to get into a rhythm, combined with the tough defense from Alabama, was a major factor in Vanderbilt’s offensive difficulties.
On Alabama’s side, Green was the clear standout, finishing the game with 22 points and 7 assists. Her ability to create shots for herself and her teammates was a key factor in Alabama’s success. Additionally, Alabama’s depth was evident, with players like Karly Weathers and Chris Youngblood stepping up when needed. Weathers chipped in 12 points, while Youngblood made significant contributions with timely three-pointers and solid defense.
Vanderbilt’s Struggles: The Impact of Poor Shooting
Vanderbilt’s shooting struggles were a central theme throughout the game. While they showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second half, the Commodores were unable to sustain consistent offense. The team shot just 39% from the field overall and made only 5 of 20 three-point attempts. Their inability to capitalize on open looks from beyond the arc, combined with struggles in the paint against Alabama’s length, made it difficult to mount a sustained comeback.
Another area of concern was Vanderbilt’s defense. While they were able to slow down Alabama at times, they struggled to contain Green and failed to force turnovers. Alabama’s offense was efficient, and despite the Commodores’ efforts to disrupt it, the Crimson Tide’s ball movement and scoring from multiple players proved too much to handle.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Vanderbilt?
The loss to Alabama is a tough one for Vanderbilt, but there are several positives to take away from the game. The Commodores proved they can compete against one of the best teams in the conference, especially with their resilience in the second half. Moving forward, Vanderbilt will need to focus on improving its shooting consistency and continue to build on the strong play of McGlockton and McGinnis.
Up next for Vanderbilt is a crucial stretch of SEC games, including matchups against other top-ranked teams. The Commodores will need to regroup quickly and focus on getting back to their winning ways. A stronger offensive showing, particularly from Pierre, will be key if they hope to contend for a higher seeding in the SEC tournament.
Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Battle, But a Missed Opportunity
In the end, Vanderbilt’s loss to Alabama highlights both the potential and the areas for improvement on the Commodores’ roster. While the defeat was disappointing, it was not without its moments of promise. With several key games still ahead in the SEC, Vanderbilt will need to make adjustments and stay focused if they are to continue their quest for a strong finish to the season. Alabama, on the other hand, proved why they are one of the top teams in the nation, but the Crimson Tide will need to continue improving as they aim for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite the outcome, the Commodores showed heart, and with a few tweaks, they can still be a force to reckon with as the season progresses.