Alabama suffers devastating 36-point loss to Maryland in 2021 tournament

In 2021, the Maryland Terrapins faced the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, held in Texas. The game, influenced by the coronavirus pandemic, marked a significant matchup as it was the first tournament appearance for the Crimson Tide under coach Kristy Curry. Despite high hopes, Alabama fell to Maryland, with the Terrapins winning by a staggering margin of 36 points. This loss highlighted the gap in performance between the two programs, which had remained substantial over the previous quarter-century. The defeat was a disappointing setback for Alabama, who aimed to build on their foundation for future success. Maryland entered the tournament with a strong season, bearing a record of 24-7 and a notable standing in the Big Ten Conference. Their victory over Alabama was fueled by standout performances from key players, who showcased their abilities on a national stage. Coach Brenda Frese emphasized the importance of being well-prepared to face Alabama, knowing that the Crimson Tide would be motivated to perform better this time around. The match itself was pivotal, not only for the immediate outcome but also for the future trajectory of both teams. Alabama, with a 24-8 record, was eager for redemption after their previous tournament loss to Texas in the second round of the previous year. This rematch against Maryland was anticipated to be a chance for their players to prove how far they had come since their last encounter. Zaay Green’s return to the NCAA Tournament and her impressive performance in the first round against Green Bay highlighted the competitive spirit within the Crimson Tide roster. Her determination echoed the sentiments of the team striving to make a mark in the tournament and perhaps reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1998. The game reflected the contrasting styles and strengths of both programs. Maryland averaged an impressive 80.0 points per game and outperformed their opponents consistently. In contrast, Alabama's statistics indicated they struggled defensively, allowing 62.8 points on average to opponents. The difference in offensive and defensive performances set the stage for a challenging matchup for the Crimson Tide, ultimately leading to their significant defeat against the Terrapins. The encounter served as a stark reminder of the progress still needed for Alabama to contend effectively at this level in women's college basketball.