What a game. The second-highest scoring game in Women’s NCAA Tournament history ended with the No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins coming out on top with a 111-108 win over the No. 5 seed Alabama Crimson Tide to advance to the Sweet 16.
Even though Alabama senior guard Sarah Ashlee Barker, the daughter of former ‘Bama QB Jay Barker, put up a huge performance, her team fell and was knocked out of March Madness.
Alabama Falls to Maryland Despite 45-Point Sarah Ashlee Barker Outing
The Maryland men’s and women’s teams have been the cardiac kids over the past few days. The men’s star Derik Queen hit a game-winning bank shot at the buzzer to beat the 12th-seeded Colorado State Rams, while the Maryland women’s program put together a double-overtime classic win on Monday night.
The Terrapins had four players who scored 19 points or more. Two of their senior guards, Sarah Te-Biasu and Shyanne Sellers led their scoring output, each scoring 26. Junior guard Kaylene Smikle poured in 25 points for Maryland.
As previously mentioned, while Maryland came out on top, Barker was this game’s star. The senior guard scored 45 points and carried her team throughout the game.
Crimson Tide senior guards Aaliyah Nye and Zaay Green fouled out of this game in the fourth quarter, putting much more pressure on Barker to score, and she did everything she could.
In what was likely her last collegiate game, she showcased why she should be drafted in this year’s WNBA draft. She shot threes from all wings, got to the basket and finished with either hand, got to her spots, and did it at a 68% clip.
As the first overtime period ended, Barker was fouled on a three while Alabama was down three. She calmly went to the line and not just made but swished all three free throws.
Barker ended the night with 45 points, which is tied for the fourth-most of all time in a women’s NCAA tournament game. This was also her career high in points. After the game, she was seen crying and embracing coach Kristy Curry.
MORE MARCH MADNESS: NCAA Women’s Final Four Chances — Which Teams Could Reach Tampa?
Though making it to the Sweet 16 is a massive accomplishment, the prize may not be as fabulous. The Terrapins will face the No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks, the defending National Champions.
The Gamecocks have won their last nine games by at least double-digits. This will be the Terrapins’ most challenging task for the year, and we will see if they can ride this emotional high into a game against the number one seed.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
