By Loveth 
Alabama had to battle hard against 12-seed Green Bay in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, but in the end, Zaay Green and Aaliyah Nye carried the Crimson Tide to an 81-67 victory.
Green was steady all game, while Nye sealed the deal with a fourth-quarter three-point explosion. Her final three-pointer even set a new Alabama record for most three-pointers in a single season.
The game was tight early, with Alabama leading just 19-17 after the first quarter. However, they pulled ahead before halftime, taking a 38-29 lead into the break. Green Bay made things interesting in the fourth, cutting the lead to 59-54 with just over seven minutes left. That’s when Nye took over—she immediately hit a three-pointer, then went on a personal 8-0 run that included another three, a layup, and yet another three to put the game out of reach.
Nye led Alabama with 23 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter. Green wasn’t far behind with 22, dominating inside against Green Bay’s smaller lineup. Karly Weathers added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, helping Alabama crush Green Bay on the boards, 43-27.
Sarah Ashlee Barker had a rough shooting night (4-of-11 for 9 points) but contributed in other ways with 7 rebounds and 8 assists.
What’s Next for Alabama?
This is Alabama’s second straight year making it to the second round and their third time in five seasons under head coach Kristy Curry. Their next game will be on Monday against the winner of Maryland vs. Norfolk State—most likely facing 4-seed Maryland on their home floor.
Alabama is now just one win away from making it to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 27 years. Another victory would mark another major milestone for Curry, who has rebuilt this program from the ground up.