Maryland women’s basketball overcomes 17 point deficit beating Alabama 111-108 in double overtime, advances to the Sweet 16

Photo courtesy of University of Maryland Athletics

With Maryland women’s basketball up by three with 1.8 seconds remaining in the double overtime, Alabama tried to inbound the ball to Sarah Ashlee Barker. 

The graduate student dominated the entire game, scoring a career and program-best 45 points. But Sarah Te-Biasu broke up the pass and sent the Xfinity Center crowd into a frenzy as time expired.

The defensive play allowed Maryland (25-7) to overcome a 17-point deficit and edge past Alabama (24-9) 111-108 on Monday night to advance to the Sweet 16.

“I told them overtime is our time,” head coach Brenda Frese said. “I thought every player had an impactful moment for us, whether it was on the offensive (or) defensive end.” 

With roughly three and a half minutes in the third quarter, Maryland trailed Alabama by 17 points in the third quarter. The Terps cut the deficit to nine, backed by a 10-2 run to close the quarter, but still faced a near-impossible comeback, given Alabama was previously 24-0 when leading after three quarters.

But Maryland rallied in the final quarter to force overtime.

Maryland began the fourth quarter with a lineup that had not seen much time together all season, but the offense played well. Senior Amari DeBerry was huge in her two minutes, getting a block and knocking down a jumper, while crucial shots from Kubek and Smikle cut the deficit to six with 6:09 left to play.

Maryland cut the deficit to just two as Mir McLean came up huge, grabbing an offensive rebound and finishing the layup. Maryland followed with a stop on defense. Then Sellers knocked down two free throws to tie it with a minute to play. 

Barker’s three put Alabama ahead, but Te-Biasu answered on a second chance opportunity, tying the game with 12 seconds to go. The Crimson Tide had a chance to win, but the shot came up short as the game went into overtime. 

Maryland controlled the first overtime period from the tip. But, up three in the final seconds, Saylor Poffenbarger fouled on a 3-point shot with 0.7 seconds remaining. Barker knocked down all three free throws, extending the game an extra five minutes. 

Te-Biasu took over for Maryland in double overtime. She scored eight of her 26 points to lead Maryland to its 111-108 victory. 

“This game, it’s really a blessing,” Te-Biasu said. “My teammates always keep telling me to keep shooting, especially [Sellers], and be confident in every shot we take.” 

Despite Maryland scoring 111 points, only four players reached double figures. Shyanne Sellers (28), Te-Biasu (26), Kaylene Smikle (24), and Allie Kubek (19) combined for 97 points. 

Maryland started slow in its prior game against Norfolk State. But against Alabama, Maryland started with greater intensity, and it showed in its defense and rebounding. 

The Terps’ rebounding was evident on their first possession of the game, grabbing an offensive rebound that led to a Seller’s 3-point basket.

It was the first of six offensive rebounds in the first quarter, leading to seven second-chance points compared to Alabama’s zero. Kubek was the catalyst for Maryland, grabbing six first-quarter rebounds — with four coming on offense. 

“She was huge. Look at her stat line,” Frese said on Kubek. “When you talk about 19 and 12 and five assists, no turnovers, 49 minutes … I just can’t say enough.”  

Alabama scored on its first four offensive possessions, with all eight points coming in the paint. But Maryland’s defense quickly slowed down the Crimson Tide’s attack, allowing just seven the rest of the first quarter. 

The defensive improvement was partly due to Frese utilizing the bench early, as McLean’s perimeter pressure bothered Alabama’s guards. 

“That’s just who [McLean] is,” Sellers said. “She’s gonna do the little things. She’s going to go in and get a rebound. She’s going to guard the best offensive player.” 

Te-Biasu got involved on defense as well. Her first deflection went into the backcourt, forcing a rushed Alabama possession, a steal and leading to an easy fast break layup. 

The Terps’ defense forced 10 first-half turnovers and turned them into 14 points.

Maryland carried its momentum into the second quarter, opening with another Sellers three after an offensive rebound. Te-Biasu followed by finishing through contact and creating another 3-point play to give Maryland a 24-17 lead, energizing the home crowd. 

Maryland’s defense continued to prevent Alabama from converting from behind the arc, going over screens and helping on defense. 

However, Maryland’s sloppy offense allowed Alabama to score several times in transition, quickly amounting to a 10-0 run to tie the game. 

The Terps struggled to close the half, making just one field goal in the final 7:30 and giving Alabama a two-point lead into halftime. 

Alabama’s offense surged out of halftime, starting the third quarter on a 7-2 run. After four Maryland points, Alabama knocked down four 3-pointers as part of a 14-0 run to extend its lead to fourteen. 

Frustration mounted for Maryland as Sellers picked up her fourth foul. But Maryland did not quit, as a Te-Biasu step-back three closed out the quarter and helped the Terps finish on a 10-2 run to get within nine. 

The Terps continued their momentum into the final quarter, tying the game and eventually forcing overtime before winning in double overtime. 

The Terps will now travel to Birmingham, Ala., to face top-seeded South Carolina in the Sweet 16.