No. 21 Alabama women’s basketball’s journey in the NCAA Tournament got off to a hot start, beating Green Bay in the first round.
Now set to play on Monday, the Crimson Tide will look to advance to the Sweet 16, or perhaps further, for the first time this century. Here is a prediction of how far Alabama will go in this year’s edition of March Madness.
No. 21 Alabama (24-8) vs No. 18 Maryland (24-7)
The Crimson Tide’s next matchup will be a big test. On Monday, at 4 p.m., the team will face the host of the first two rounds, Maryland. The Terrapins defeated Norfolk State 82-69 in their first-round matchup.
Now, the 4 seed and 5 seed in the Birmingham – 2 regional bracket will face off as Alabama will look to overcome what should be a rowdy home crowd in College Park.
Similarly to Alabama, Maryland has an impressive scoring offense thanks to its guards. The top five leading scorers on the Terps are all from the backcourt. Offensively, the team is mainly centered around Kaylene Smikle and Shyanne Sellers, who both averaged just above 17 points per game in conference play.
Both teams are also coming off disappointing conference tournaments, each losing in the first round to opponents they were favored against.
The Crimson Tide’s key to the game will be the defensive presence of guards Karly Weathers and Diana Collins. They have each developed a knack for tenacious defense and will be relied on to limit Smikle and Sellers.
Alabama also will have a favorable matchup in the frontcourt. None of Maryland’s forwards or centers average over eight points per game, while the Crimson Tide has Essence Cody, who averaged 11 points per game in SEC play.
If the Crimson Tide can continue to be effective from downtown and make key stops on the Terps guards, Alabama should win in Round 2.
Alabama 77, Maryland 68
No. 21 Alabama vs No. 2 South Carolina (31-3)
This is where things could get murky for the Crimson Tide, as the team may have a chance to play in Birmingham for the Sweet 16 but will likely run into the buzzsaw of the SEC in head coach Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks.
The two squads faced off in January, with the Gamecocks claiming a 76-58 victory over Alabama. The final score may be misleading, though. The Crimson Tide was without leading scorer Sarah Ashlee Barker and kept it close throughout the game, only down by two possessions for much of the game until the final five minutes.
Ultimately, the bench play made the difference in the game, with the Gamecocks bench outscoring Alabama’s 43-2.
South Carolina has fouled this season due to its depth, with eight different players averaging at least 20 minutes per game. The depth helps the Gamecocks stay effective on both ends, as they finished conference play ranked second in points per game and second in points allowed per game.
Alabama may find it too much to overcome, as the Crimson Tide relies heavily on its starting lineup and lacks enough depth to match. The Crimson Tide may keep it close, especially with Barker playing this time, but South Carolina will wear its opponent out like the squad has done all season.
Alabama will face off against Maryland on Monday at 4 p.m. CT, and the game can be watched on ESPN2.
