GREENVILLE, S.C. – No. 11-seeded Alabama (23-9) propelled past No. 6 seeded Tennessee to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament with a 76-64 win Thursday. The Crimson Tide maintained the advantage over the Lady Vols for all 40 minutes, as Tennessee was only able to tie the game once in the first quarter with 4:01 on the clock. 

Jessica Timmons (23) and Ta’Mia Scott (20) combined for 43 of the team’s 76 total points. Timmons grabbed a team-high six boards, while Karly Weathers stole six balls to aid in Alabama’s defensive performance. 

Tennessee (16-13) was led by Janiah Barker who scored 20 points, while Zee Speamam collected six rebounds. 

“This is a great team win. A lot of grit, a lot of toughness. Made plays when we needed to. Stayed consistent. I thought we played good team basketball, and just really happy for our team to survive and advance and get to play another day.”

Game Notes

• With its 76-64 victory, the Crimson Tide moved to the quarterfinals for the 26^th time in tournament history and fourth time in the last six seasons
• The feat also marked the second time in the last nine years (2017) that Tennessee lost its opening game to the Tide, while Alabama simultaneously advanced to the quarterfinals
• Essence Cody scored 10 points to round out Alabama’s top scorers as the team collected its sixth consecutive game with at least a pair of players in double digits
• In her first postseason game, Naomi Jones scored seven points and tallied six rebounds over 19 minutes of action
• The Crimson Tide scored 38 points in the paint, compared to Tennessee’s 24.
• Alabama shot 27-of-54 (50 percent) from the floor, 6-of-18 (33 percent) from deep and 16-of-19 (84 percent) from the free throw line
• In comparison, Tennessee shot 20-of-52 (38 percent) from the floor, 7-of-23 (30 percent) from behind the arc and 17-of-23 (74 percent) from the charity stripe

How it Happened

• Alabama set the pace as UA jumped out to an early nine-point lead
• Although the Lady Vols would tie the opening stanza at 12-12 (4:01), Alabama pulled ahead with a 13-6 run to close the first quarter, taking a seven-point lead (25-18)
• Alabama extended its gap to double figures twice in the second quarter, which included finishing the half with a 10-point lead 
• The Crimson Tide outscored the Vols after halftime, building a 15-point lead by the 5:31 mark following a 14-11 run
• Tennessee closed with a 10-8 advantage, but UA held a 61-46 score heading into the final quarter 
• Alabama built up to its largest lead of 17 points (53-37) with 6:52 to play 
• In the closing minutes, the Lady Vols outscored Alabama 11-8, trimming the deficit to 12 but UA sealed the final score at 76-64

Up Next

• Alabama will face third-seeded Texas on Friday, March 6
• Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network