Maryland Faces Alabama in Round of 32 After Narrow Win
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — No. 4 seed maryland Terrapins women’s basketball (24-8) will clash with No. 5 seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-9) in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday at 5 p.m.EDT, broadcast on ESPN2. Maryland advanced after an 82-69 victory over No. 13 seed Norfolk State, while Alabama secured their spot with an 81-67 win against No. 12 seed Green Bay.
Crimson Tide Present a Formidable Challenge with Size and Shooting prowess
Maryland Head Coach Brenda Frese acknowledges the challenge: “Alabama is a really strong SEC opponent, another team that has nothing but seniors and grad seniors.They can shoot the three, they’re tough, there’s a lot of size.” The Crimson Tide boasts a potent offense fueled by experienced players and exceptional three-point shooting.
Alabama’s season So Far
Alabama dominated its non-conference schedule, starting the season with a 10-0 record before losing to Cal. SEC play proved more challenging, with six regular-season losses and an early exit in the SEC Tournament. Like Maryland, Alabama faced a tough challenge from their first-round opponent but ultimately pulled away for a 14-point victory.
Common Opponents
Maryland and Alabama share three common opponents this season: Michigan State, Norfolk State and Texas.Both teams defeated Michigan State and Norfolk State, but suffered losses to Texas.
Key Players for Alabama
- Sarah Ashlee Barker (G, No. 3): The 6-foot graduate guard leads the team in steals (2.0) and rebounds (6.3) per game, while also averaging 3.9 assists.
- Zaay Green (G, No. 14): A 6-foot-2 graduate guard who scored 22 points and dished out five assists, shooting 36.6% from three against Green Bay.
- Aaliyah Nye (G, No. 32): A risky three-point shooter (45.4%), known for her range, and previously played at Illinois.
Alabama’s Strengths: Three-Point Shooting
Alabama ranks among the nation’s top teams in three-point shooting, with a 38.6% average. making close to nine three-pointers per game, their perimeter game poses a notable threat. Maryland’s perimeter defense, which faltered at times against norfolk State, will need to be disciplined.
Alabama’s weaknesses: Rebounding
Despite their size, Alabama’s rebounding margin is only +2.5. Maryland, ranked 13th nationally with a +8.4 rebounding margin, could exploit this weakness. The status of Maryland’s Saylor Poffenbarger, who is battling an ankle injury, will be a key factor on the boards.
Three Key Things to Watch for Maryland
- shyanne sellers’ Final Home Game: Expect a strong performance from Sellers in her last game at Xfinity Center.
- Bench Production: Maryland needs more contributions from its bench after scoring just six points against Norfolk State.
- Sarah Te-Biasu’s Hot Streak: Te-Biasu’s strong offensive performances have been a key factor in Maryland’s recent success.
Considering Alabama’s strong three-point shooting and Maryland’s need to improve rebounding, what strategic adjustments might Maryland make to secure a victory?
maryland Faces Alabama in Round of 32 After Narrow Win: Q&A
Here’s a deeper dive into the upcoming Maryland vs. Alabama women’s basketball showdown, addressing key questions and providing insights to get you ready for the game:
Q&A:
Q: When and where is the Maryland vs. Alabama game?
A: The game is on Monday at 5 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast on ESPN2. The location isn’t explicitly mentioned in the article, but based on the context, it’s likely at Maryland’s Xfinity Center. (Trivia: Xfinity Center is known for it’s lively atmosphere,making it a tough place for visiting teams to play!)
Q: how did Maryland and alabama reach the second round?
A: Maryland defeated Norfolk State 82-69,while Alabama triumphed over Green Bay 81-67 in their respective first-round matchups.
Q: What makes Alabama a tough opponent?
A: According to Maryland’s coach, Alabama is a strong SEC team with experienced players, especially seniors and graduate students, who can shoot effectively from three-point range and possess notable size. (Actionable Tip: Watch out for Alabama’s ability to quickly transition on offense after a made basket).
Q: Who are the key players for Alabama?
A: Key players for Alabama include Sarah Ashlee Barker (guard, No. 3), Zaay Green (guard, No. 14), and Aaliyah Nye (guard, No. 32).
Q: What are alabama’s strengths and weaknesses?
A: Alabama’s strength is its impressive three-point shooting (38.6%, averaging nearly nine made threes per game).Their weakness is rebounding,with a relatively low rebounding margin (+2.5), which Maryland coudl exploit. (Fascinating Fact: Alabama has a history of strong offenses, but their postseason success often hinges on solid defense).
Q: What should Maryland focus on to win?
A: Maryland needs a strong performance from Shyanne Sellers in her potential final home game, increased contributions from the bench, and continued offensive success from Sarah Te-Biasu. The article also mentions the importance of Maryland’s rebounding and interior defense given Alabama’s size and outside shooting capabilities. (Advice: Maryland should try to get Alabama into foul trouble,as this could disrupt their rhythm).
Q: What about common opponents?
A: Both teams defeated Michigan State and Norfolk State but lost to Texas. This provides some relative comparison on how these teams match up against common competition.
Q: What is the status of Maryland’s Saylor Poffenbarger?
A: Her status is a key factor due to her battle with an ankle injury, which could affect Maryland’s rebounding efforts.
get ready for an exciting game! Tune in to ESPN2 on Monday at 5 p.m. EDT to watch Maryland and Alabama battle it out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament!
