The fourth-seeded Maryland Terrapins are moving on to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2023 after defeating No. 5-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide 111-108 in double overtime on Monday.
Maryland had a 10-point lead in the first half, but the Terrapins quickly found themselves trailing by as many as 17 points in the third quarter following a barrage of threes from the Crimson Tide. Maryland tied the matchup 80-80 with 1:01 remaining in regulation. Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker hit a three to retake the lead, but Maryland’s Sarah Te-Biasu answered back to tie it up and send the game to overtime.
Barker was clutch in overtime and knocked down three straight free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt with 1 second remaining to send the game to double overtime, but the Crimson Tide came up short. Despite Barker scoring a career-high 45 points, tying the fourth most points scored in the women’s NCAA tournament history, Maryland was able to outlast Alabama in double overtime.
Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers scored 18 of her 28 points in the second half to lead the Terrapins in scoring. Kaylene Smikle added 24 points and seven rebounds. Maryland will advance to face the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks in the Sweet Sixteen. South Carolina is the No. 1 seed in the Birmingham 2 region.
The combined total score of 219 points is the second-most points scored in the history of the tournament.
Final: Maryland 111, Alabama 108 (2OT)
In the most intense and thrilling basketball game of the women’s NCAA Tournament so far, the No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins survived four quarters and two overtimes on their home court in College Park, Maryland to reach the Sweet 16. Maryland put four players in double figures in the 111-108 victory: Sellers, Smikle, Te-Biasu and Allie Kubek. Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker had a game for the ages with 45 points and eight rebounds.
Maryland vs. Alabama highlights
Maryland-Alabama headed to double overtime
We are headed to double overtime!
Maryland’s Saylor Poffenbarger had the opportunity to ice the game at the free throw line. Poffenbarger went to the line with the opportunity to put the Terrapins up by two possessions with six seconds remaining in the game. Poffenbarger hit one of two free throws to give Maryland a 96-93 advantage. Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker attempted a three in the closing seconds of overtime to tie up the game, but she was fouled on the attempt by Poffenbarger. Barker knocked down all three free throws to send the game to double overtime. Barker has a career-high 39 points and seven rebounds.
Abalama’s Aaliyah Nye and Zaay Green are both fouled out, while Barker has four fouls. Maryland’s Kaylene Smikle is fouled out, while Shyanne Sellers has four.
End of 4Q: Maryland-Alabama headed to overtime
Maryland’s Sarah Te-Biasu made a 3-pointer with 12 seconds remaining to tie the game 83-83, and Alabama’s Karly Weathers missed a potential game-winning jumper at the buzzer to send the game to overtime.
The No. 4 seeded Terrapins rallied back in the fourth quarter after Alabama took a 17-point lead midway through the third.
End of 3Q: Alabama 64, Maryland 55
No. 5 seed Alabama has taken command and outscored No. 4 seed Maryland 23-16 in the third quarter. The Crimson Tide went on a 14-0 run during the third quarter and extended their lead over the Terrapins to as many as 17 points. A flurry of 3-pointers helped Alabama take a nine-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Crimson Tide are 7-of-15 from 3-point range. Sarah Ashlee Barker has hit three 3-pointers, while Aaliyah Nye has knocked down two.
Halftime: Alabama 41, Maryland 39
The No. 4 seed Terrapins led by as many as 10 points in the first half, but the No. 5 seed Crimson Tide went on a 13-2 run in the second quarter to take the lead. Alabama has a 41-39 lead at halftime.
Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker has a team-high 17 points and four rebounds. The Crimson Tide are shooting 56% from the field and 2-of-8 from three. Meanwhile, the Terrapins are shooting 41.9% from the field and 4-of-11 from three. Shyanne Sellers has a team-high 10 points, while Sarah Te-Biasu added 8 points.
Both Maryland and Alabama were careless with the ball in the first half, with each team registering 10 turnovers. Maryland scored 14 points off turnovers, while Alabama scored 11 points.
If Alabama goes on to win, it will mark the first time in women’s NCAA Tournament history that all No. 5 seeds beat No. 4 seeds in the same tournament.
Where to watch Maryland vs. Alabama: TV channel, time
Game Day: Monday, March 24, 2025
Game Time: 5 p.m. ET
Location: Xfinity Center College Park in College Park, Maryland
TV Channel: ESPN2
Live Stream: Fubo – Watch Now!
Watch Maryland vs. Alabama on Fubo (free trial)
Maryland vs. Alabama odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Sunday, March 23.
Spread: Alabama -1.5
Moneyline: Maryland/Alabama (-110)
Total: 153.5