Recap: Tide Rolls Over Rams in First Round of NCAA Tournament

Alabama women's basketball began its 2026 NCAA Tournament run in Louisville, Kentucky, at the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday, defeating Rhode Island 68-55 to advance to the Round of 32.

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The game began with Alabama winning the tip, but a quick offensive foul by Essence Cody gave Rhode Island the opening they needed to sink a 3-pointer. Cody quickly redeemed herself, answering with a three of her own to tie the game and set the stage for a thrilling first quarter.

By the 5:30 mark, Cody was already leading the team with six points, showcasing her dominance early, and Alabama began to pull ahead with a five-point lead. The final moments of the first quarter were anyone's to claim, but the Crimson Tide managed to close out with a 16-13 lead.

Alabama began the second quarter with a commanding run, stifling Rhode Island's offense and allowing them only a single point in nearly eight minutes. The Tide capitalized, adding 14 points to its tally. However, the Rams found a late surge, scoring nine points in the final two minutes while holding Alabama to just one. Despite this, Alabama maintained a 31-23 lead heading into halftime.

Rhode Island came out firing in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to four points. Alabama quickly responded with a decisive 17-3 run, blowing the game open and establishing a comfortable 53-35 lead.

Cody took charge in the final quarter, scoring nine of Alabama's 15 points. The teams traded baskets, with Rhode Island slightly outscoring the Tide 20-15.

Ultimately, Alabama's strong finish gave it the edge over Rhode Island, allowing them to advance to the Round of 32 for the third straight year.

Alabama will face No. 3 seed Louisville on Monday, March 23, with tipoff set for 12 p.m. EST.