College Park, MD–In a first-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the No. 5 seed Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the No. 12 seed Green Bay Phoenix 81-67 on Saturday at the XFINITY Center.
The game started with Green Bay scoring the first 5 points of the game, showing why they were winners of the Horizon League. Maddy Schreiber led her team with 14 points off the bench. Cassie Schiltz and Natalie McNeal also reached double figures, scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively.
It took Alabama a little bit of time to get adjusted but when they did, they never looked back. Aaliyah Nye led all scorers with 23 points, including four three-pointers, surpassing her own single-season school record with 109 threes. Zaay Green added 22 points, while Karly Weathers contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The game was competitive early, with Alabama holding a narrow 19-17 lead after the first quarter. The Crimson Tide closed the second quarter on a 6-0 run, extending their halftime advantage to 38-29. They maintained control in the second half, leading by as many as 13 points in the third quarter. Green Bay reduced the deficit to five early in the fourth, but Nye’s timely three-pointer halted their momentum.
Alabama’s size advantage was evident, outscoring Green Bay 40-22 in the paint. The Crimson Tide’s defense also capitalized on Green Bay’s 10 turnovers, converting them into 22 points.
With this victory, Alabama advances to the Round of 32 for the second consecutive year and will face fourth-seeded Maryland on Monday.
