The NCAA women’s basketball tournament served up a suspenseful thriller on March 24, 2025, as the Alabama Crimson Tide battled the Maryland Terrapins, culminating in a nail-biting 111-108 double-overtime loss for Alabama. Despite the defeat, it was a historic night for Crimson Tide guard Sarah Ashlee Barker, who recorded an unprecedented 45 points, breaking the school record and cementing her legacy in NCAA tournament history.
Barker’s performance stood out not just for the raw numbers, but for the critical moments that exemplified her skill and poise. She made 17 out of 25 field goal attempts, including four of six shots from three-point range and seven of eleven at the free throw line. Contributing eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals, Barker proved to be the backbone of her team during this high-stakes contest.
The game was electrifying, showcasing a back-and-forth dynamic. Alabama had controlled the lead for much of the match, even establishing a comfortable 17-point advantage in the third quarter. However, a surge from Maryland led by Sarah Te-Biasu, who scored 26 points, kept the Terrapins in contention. Te-Biasu's pivotal three-pointer in the fourth quarter tied the game, forcing overtime.
When overtime came, it was Barker again who took charge. With only 0.7 seconds left on the clock in the first overtime, she was fouled while attempting a three-pointer. Calmly, she sank all three free throws, tying the game at 96 points and ensuring a second overtime. "I think we left everything that we had out there tonight," Barker reflected post-game. "I couldn't be more proud of the team that I play with."
Despite Barker’s stellar performance, overcoming the loss of key players like Zaay Green and Aaliyah Nye, who both fouled out, proved detrimental for Alabama. In the final moments, the Crimson Tide struggled to find opportunities, and a failed three-point shot by Diana Collins sealed their fate.
With her 45 points, Barker not only overcame her own average of 17.2 points per game but also etched her name into the NCAA record books, tying for the fourth-highest scoring performance in NCAA women's tournament history. Barker's achievement eclipsed the previous Alabama record of 41 points set by Jasmine Walker against Auburn in 2021. In that moment, she transformed a tough loss into a personal triumph that the basketball community will remember.
The historic nature of Barker's game sends ripples through the collegiate sports world, especially within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as her 45 points mark the highest total ever scored by any SEC player in an NCAA tournament game. Only three players have scored more points in a single NCAA tournament game: Lorri Bauman (50 points in 1982), Sheryl Swoopes (47 points in 1993), and Jayne Appel (46 points in 2009).
Social media erupted in response to Barker's remarkable outing. The SEC Network tweeted, “SARAH ASHLEE BARKER. 🥶🥶 @AlabamaWBB,” underscoring the excitement around her game. Various commentators and fans alike emphasized the extraordinary nature of her resilience and skill throughout the game.
Moreover, this double-overtime thriller has implications beyond just statistics. The Alabama Crimson Tide, under head coach Kristy Curry, has been on a transformative journey. Barker's entry into the program symbolizes hope and growth, especially after their NCAA tournament absence in 2022.
Her journey, fueled by a relentless work ethic, came with personal stakes as she aimed to create memories in her hometown of Birmingham, where the Sweet 16 games were scheduled. "Being a Birmingham kid, 45 minutes away from Tuscaloosa, to represent Alabama has meant so much to me," she shared. Barker's roots played a significant role in her drive to succeed, as she is the daughter of former Alabama quarterback Jay Barker, who was instrumental in the football program's history.
As the dust settles on this memorable contest, Maryland advances to the Sweet 16, set to face South Carolina, while Alabama’s season comes to an end. However, Sarah Ashlee Barker's legacy continues to thrive, and her historic performance will be etched in the annals of NCAA women's basketball history. Her 45-point spectacle, though bittersweet, will be recalled as one of the most iconic moments of the tournament.
