Full Breakdown
Alabama Crimson Tide Defeats Tennessee Lady Vols in SEC Tournament
3/6/2026, 11:46:16 AM
Historic Victory for Alabama
In a significant upset, the No. 11 seed Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the No. 6 seed Tennessee Lady Vols 76-64 in the second round of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Women's Basketball Tournament on March 5, 2026, at Bon Secours Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. This victory marks Alabama's first advancement to the quarterfinals since 2024 and ends Tennessee's impressive streak of winning 31 of its last 32 SEC tournament openers.
Game Overview
Alabama established dominance early, leading from the first quarter and never trailing throughout the game. The Crimson Tide built a 39-29 halftime lead, fueled by a strong performance from Jessica Timmons, who scored 23 points, and Ta'Mia Scott, who added 20 points. Alabama's defense was also notable, forcing Tennessee into 16 turnovers, which resulted in 12 points for the Crimson Tide.
The game began with Alabama taking a quick lead, and despite a brief tie at 12-12, the Crimson Tide responded with a 9-0 run to regain control. By the end of the first quarter, Alabama led 25-18. The second quarter saw Tennessee struggle offensively, managing only 11 points, while Alabama extended its lead.
In the third quarter, Alabama outscored Tennessee 22-17, pushing their lead to as much as 17 points. Although Tennessee attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, they could not close the gap significantly, ultimately falling short.
Key Performers
- Jessica Timmons: 23 points, 6 rebounds
- Ta'Mia Scott: 20 points, 5 rebounds
- Essence Cody: 10 points
- Karly Weathers: 7 assists, 6 steals
- Janiah Barker: 20 points, 5 rebounds
- Zee Spearman: 13 points, 6 rebounds
Official Statements & Responses
Alabama's head coach Kristy Curry praised her team's performance, stating, "This is a great team win. A lot of grit, a lot of toughness. Made plays when we needed to." In contrast, Tennessee's head coach Kim Caldwell expressed disappointment, noting, "We had too many turnovers tonight... I think we got outworked, outplayed and outcoached from the very start."
Criticism & Opposition
Tennessee's performance drew criticism, particularly regarding their inability to handle Alabama's defensive pressure. The Lady Vols struggled with turnovers, which Caldwell acknowledged as a critical factor in their defeat. Additionally, the absence of key player Talaysia Cooper due to injury was highlighted as a significant setback for Tennessee.
What's Next
With this victory, Alabama advances to face the No. 3 seed Texas in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. Meanwhile, Tennessee awaits its fate regarding a potential NCAA tournament bid, with Selection Sunday scheduled for March 15, 2026. The Lady Vols, despite their struggles, remain hopeful for an invitation based on their overall season performance.