The last time Alabama faced Maryland in the NCAA Tournament, things didn’t end well for the Crimson Tide. That was four years ago, during Alabama’s first March Madness run under coach Kristy Curry, and the Terrapins steamrolled them by 36 points in a game played in Texas. Angel Reese had put up 19 points for the Terps then. Fast forward to today, and the two teams found themselves in a much tighter battle on the grand stage once again, with an unforgettable overtime thriller that had fans—including WNBA stars—glued to their screens.

Kahleah Copper, the Chicago Sky’s WNBA champion and Finals MVP, took to Twitter during the game, unable to contain her excitement. “This game jumpinnnnn omggggggg!!!! Who gon hit the game winner? I say SARAH,” she posted. 

We get it!

While neither Sarah Te-Biasu of Maryland nor Sarah Ashlee Barker of Alabama hit the final shot, it was the two of them forcing the game into OTs. But by the time the buzzer sounded for the last time, it was the former who stood with the ball in her hands. 

Maryland had to overcome a career-best 45-point explosion from Barker and a 17-point deficit in the third quarter. The game seemed all but over, but the Terrapins fought back, tying it at 80 on two clutch free throws by Shyanne Sellers with 1:01 to play. Barker responded with a dagger three, then blocked a Kaylene Smikle 3-point attempt on the other end. Maryland retained possession, and with just 12 seconds left, Te-Biasu delivered—burying a game-tying three to force overtime.

In the first extra period, Barker had another moment of heroics. With Maryland leading 96-93 in the final seconds, she was fouled on a three-point attempt with 0.7 seconds left. She calmly sank all three free throws to send the game to a second overtime. 

It was time for Te-Biasu to take over again. She put up 8 points in 5 minutes. The last two of those came with 35 seconds left, giving Maryland a four-point cushion. Though Barker answered with a layup, the Tide couldn’t recover. Alabama had one final shot. Down three, Diana Collins launched a potential game-tying three-pointer, but it missed. Maryland secured the rebound, and in fitting fashion, it was Te-Biasu who sealed the game with a steal in the final second, clinching a dramatic 111-108 victory.

For Alabama, it was a heartbreaking loss, despite Barker’s historic night. But for Maryland, it was redemption—a reminder of their past dominance over the Crimson Tide and proof that they could still rise to the occasion, this time without Reese. 

With the win, Maryland kept a key tournament streak alive: At least one No. 4 seed has made the Sweet 16 every year. Now, the Terrapins advance to face the ultimate test—top-seeded, undefeated South Carolina. If this game was any indication, the rest of the NCAA Tournament is about to be a wild ride.

Angel Reese’s Former Team Maryland Challenges South Carolina’s Reign

Some may call it Dawn Staley fatigue, but South Carolina isn’t going anywhere. SC is on a mission to defend its national title, and Dawn Staley’s squad has every reason to believe they can do it. With the deepest bench in the nation—averaging 41.5 points per game—and a coach who has been to four straight Final Fours, the Gamecocks have the experience, depth, and firepower to dominate March. They have already beaten top teams like Texas, TCU, Duke, Alabama, and Michigan, proving they can handle elite competition.

But Maryland is no pushover. The fourth-seeded Terrapins, making their 15th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under Brenda Frese, have built a reputation for resilience. They have five wins over ranked teams and 10 victories over teams in the top 50 of the NET rankings. Maryland ranks No. 2 in the Big Ten and No. 13 nationally in rebounding margin (+8.4), an area where they could challenge South Carolina’s physicality. They also lead the Big Ten and rank No. 2 in the country in free throws made per game (16.97), a stat that could be crucial in a tight battle.

Shyanne Sellers, Maryland’s leader, is the first player in program history to record 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. She currently sits at No. 13 on Maryland’s all-time scoring list (1,626 points) and needs just five more to move up. Her career free-throw percentage (82.4%) is second only to Maryland legend Kristi Toliver. Meanwhile, Sarah Te-Biasu and Kaylene Smikle provide additional scoring punch, with Smikle hitting double figures in 27 of 30 games this season.

While South Carolina has the experience, Maryland has the grit. Staley may be on the verge of a fourth championship, but the Terps won’t make it easy.