Preview: Alabama Visits No. 28 Louisville in Women’s NCAA Clash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Interstat) — Two teams riding the momentum of decisive first-round NCAA tournament victories will meet Monday when the Alabama Crimson Tide visits the No. 28 Louisville Cardinals in a second-round women’s basketball matchup.

The game, scheduled for March 23, 2026, at the KFC Yum! Center, features a contrast in season-long consistency. Louisville (28-7), playing on its home floor, boasts a superior record and enters as the higher-seeded team. Alabama (24-10), the visitor, has shown a capacity for both high-quality wins and confounding losses.

The Crimson Tide advanced with a 68-55 win over Rhode Island on Saturday. Guard Jessica Timmons led the way with 21 points and six rebounds, continuing her late-season surge. Over her last seven games, Timmons has averaged over 18 points, including a 24-point performance in a close loss to Texas and a 23-point outing in a road win at Tennessee. Her scoring punch will be vital against a stout Louisville defense.

The Cardinals dispatched seed Vermont 72-52 in their opener, powered by a double-double from forward Mackenly Randolph. The standout posted 20 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing the all-around game that has defined her season. In a recent overtime loss at Duke, Randolph played all 45 minutes, finishing with 17 points and six assists.

Alabama’s path has been uneven. While possessing impressive victories over Tennessee and Florida, the Tide have suffered several lopsided defeats, including an 85-60 loss at Vanderbilt and an 83-60 setback at Texas earlier this month. Their success likely hinges on supplementing Timmons’ offense with production from players like Essence Cody, who scored 19 points against Rhode Island.

Louisville has been strong at home, with its recent losses coming by narrow margins — a one-point defeat to Duke and a three-point loss to Notre Dame. The Cardinals’ depth was on display against Vermont, where Imari Berry and Laura Ziegler combined for 22 points and 14 rebounds.

The matchup inside between Randolph and Alabama’s frontcourt, along with Timmons’ ability to penetrate Louisville’s perimeter defense, will be key factors. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.