Alabama
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (03/22/2026) — The Alabama Crimson Tide's season came to a heartbreaking conclusion Sunday, as they fell 69-68 to the Louisville Cardinals in a tightly contested battle at the KFC Yum! Center.
In a game that featured 15 lead changes and eight ties, Alabama’s potent perimeter shooting was ultimately overcome by a significant rebounding disadvantage. The Crimson Tide shot an impressive 46% from both the field and three-point range but were outrebounded 41-24, a disparity that proved decisive in the one-point loss.
How It Happened
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. Louisville jumped out to an early 13-6 lead, capped by a deep three-pointer from guard Tajianna Roberts with 1:58 left in the first quarter. Alabama immediately answered. Guard Ace Austin caught fire, draining consecutive three-pointers in a 30-second span to pull the Crimson Tide within one. A late layup from Essence Cody sent the game to the second quarter with Louisville holding a slim 15-14 edge.
The second quarter was a three-point shooting exhibition. Diana Collins hit a step-back three to give Alabama a 19-17 lead, but Roberts answered for Louisville. After another Austin three put the Crimson Tide up 24-22, the Cardinals responded with consecutive threes from Elif Istanbulluoglu and Roberts to build a 28-24 advantage. The teams continued to trade blows, with Collins tying the game at 30-30 with another long-range jumper. A layup from Cody with two seconds on the clock gave Alabama a 35-34 lead heading into halftime.
The seesaw battle continued in the third quarter. A three-pointer from Collins at the 8:16 mark put Alabama ahead 40-38. Louisville, however, created separation midway through the period. Trailing 44-43, the Cardinals seized momentum with back-to-back three-pointers from Istanbulluoglu and Roberts to surge ahead 50-46, their largest lead of the half. Austin connected on her fifth three-pointer of the game late in the quarter to keep Alabama close, trailing 52-49 entering the final frame.
Though specific scoring plays for the fourth quarter were not detailed, the final score reflects a contest that went down to the wire. Both teams executed down the stretch, but Louisville's control of the paint and crucial baskets were enough to secure the narrow victory.
Turning Point
The game turned on Louisville's dominance on the glass. The Cardinals' 41-24 rebounding advantage, including a plus-11 margin on the defensive boards, limited Alabama to one-shot possessions and created second-chance opportunities for Louisville. Forwards Mackenly Randolph and Elif Istanbulluoglu combined for 24 rebounds, matching the entire Alabama team's total. This physical advantage allowed Louisville to withstand Alabama’s blistering 46% shooting from beyond the arc and ultimately control the game's final possessions.
Star of the Game
Louisville forward Elif Istanbulluoglu delivered a powerful double-double that anchored the Cardinals' effort. She finished with a team-high 18 points on efficient shooting while pulling down 11 rebounds, including four on the offensive glass. Istanbulluoglu also added three assists, impacting the game on both ends of the floor and providing the interior presence needed to counter Alabama's perimeter attack.
For Alabama, Ace Austin was exceptional in the loss, leading the team with 17 points. Diana Collins and Karly Weathers also turned in strong offensive performances, scoring 14 and 13 points, respectively. Weathers added a team-high five assists and five rebounds.
What It Means
For the Alabama Crimson Tide, the one-point loss is a tough finish to a solid season. The game highlighted the team's identity: a dangerous offensive unit capable of high-level shooting. However, it also exposed the need to address rebounding and interior defense moving forward. The strong performances from its core players provide a foundation to build upon for the next season.
For the Louisville Cardinals, it’s a hard-fought victory that demonstrates their resilience. They absorbed an excellent shooting night from their opponent by controlling the boards and getting clutch scoring from multiple players. Surviving a close game of this nature builds valuable experience as they continue their postseason journey.