Alabama
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (03/20/2026) — The Alabama Crimson Tide secured a commanding 68-55 victory over the Rhode Island Rams on Friday night, showcasing a potent offensive attack to advance in postseason play.
Alabama shot an efficient 53% from the field and connected on 10 three-pointers, controlling the game from the opening minutes and never relinquishing the lead after the first quarter.
How It Happened
The game began with an exchange of long-range shots. Rhode Island struck first with a three-pointer from Brooklyn Gray just 23 seconds into the contest. Alabama’s Essence Cody promptly answered, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to give the Crimson Tide an 8-5 advantage at the 7:26 mark of the first quarter. The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the period, with a late pullup jumper from Vanessa Harris giving Alabama a 16-13 lead heading into the second.
Alabama began to create separation in the second quarter. A driving layup by Diana Collins pushed the lead to five, and her subsequent free throw at the 6:23 mark made it 21-13. The Crimson Tide maintained control, and a three-pointer from Valentina Ojeda with 1:32 left in the half extended the margin to nine. Alabama took a 31-23 lead into the locker room.
The Rams mounted their strongest challenge to start the third quarter. Forward Albina Syla went to work inside, scoring on a turnaround jumper and a hook shot on consecutive possessions to slice the Alabama lead to just four at 31-27. After another three from Gray made it 34-30, Rhode Island appeared to have seized the momentum.
Alabama, however, responded with the game’s decisive run.
Turning Point
Staring down a surging Rhode Island squad, the Crimson Tide unleashed a blistering 12-0 run that put the game away. The surge transformed a tight 36-32 contest into a comfortable 48-32 lead. A crucial 23-foot three-pointer by Jessica Timmons at the 3:58 mark of the third quarter was a key blow during the run, pushing the lead to 14 and deflating the Rams' comeback hopes. Alabama closed the quarter with a 53-35 advantage, an insurmountable margin built almost entirely during that dominant four-minute stretch.
Star of the Game
While complete box scores were pending, Essence Cody’s timely shooting was a critical factor in Alabama's victory. The forward was a difference-maker from beyond the arc, hitting three crucial three-pointers. Her two early threes settled the Crimson Tide and answered Rhode Island’s opening basket. She then opened the fourth quarter with another 25-foot jumper to give Alabama its largest lead of the night at 56-35, effectively ending any chance of a late rally by the Rams.
What It Means
For the Alabama Crimson Tide, the victory is a testament to their offensive execution and poise under pressure. Shooting 40% from three-point range and 53% overall, Alabama demonstrated the firepower needed to make a deep run. By answering Rhode Island’s third-quarter push with a knockout blow, the Crimson Tide showed the resilience of a seasoned team. They move on to the next round, carrying significant momentum.
The loss ends the season for the Rhode Island Rams. Despite a valiant effort, particularly the third-quarter run that cut the deficit to four, they were unable to overcome Alabama's superior shooting and decisive scoring burst.