Tuscaloosa, AL—Aaliyah Nye has etched her name into the Alabama Crimson Tide history books, shattering the all-time record for career three-pointers, a feat that coincides with the team’s triumphant return to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year and fourth in the last five. This remarkable achievement marks a seismic shift for a program that struggled for decades, signaling a new era of dominance.
For twenty years, from 2000 to 2020, the Alabama women’s basketball program was notably absent from the NCAA Tournament. Now, under the guidance of head coach Kristy Curry, the Crimson Tide has become a force to be reckoned with, consistently securing tournament berths and challenging the nation’s elite.
Aaliyah Nye’s record-breaking performance has ignited a spark within the team and its fanbase. Her sharpshooting prowess has become a symbol of the team’s resurgence, highlighting their offensive firepower and unwavering determination. This milestone isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a testament to the program’s growth and the players’ relentless pursuit of excellence.
Currently ranked No. 20 in the nation, the Crimson Tide has maintained a consistent presence in the AP Top-25 throughout the season. Even with the temporary absence of leading scorer Sarah Ashlee Barker, the team demonstrated its depth and resilience, weathering the storm and maintaining their momentum.
With a record of 22-6 (9-5 SEC) and a fifth-place standing in the highly competitive SEC, the Crimson Tide is poised for a strong finish to the regular season. The upcoming games against No. 7 LSU and No. 13 Oklahoma present formidable challenges, but a single victory could propel Alabama into a position to host the coveted first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
In women’s basketball, securing a top-16 overall seed grants the privilege of hosting the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Currently projected as a 5-seed in ESPN’s bracketology, Alabama has a golden opportunity to climb into the coveted 4-seed territory with strong performances in their final regular-season games and the SEC Tournament.
Despite their impressive season, the Alabama women’s basketball team has often been overshadowed by the success of their male counterparts. However, as they enter the most critical phase of the season, they deserve the full support of the Crimson Tide faithful.
Alabama has a proven track record of rallying behind its successful women’s sports programs, as evidenced by the unwavering support for gymnastics, softball, and soccer. The women’s basketball team, with their record-breaking achievements and NCAA Tournament aspirations, deserves the same level of enthusiasm and recognition.
Aaliyah Nye’s record-breaking three-pointer is more than just a statistic; it’s a symbol of the program’s transformation and the team’s unwavering pursuit of excellence. As the Crimson Tide prepares for the NCAA Tournament, they carry the hopes and dreams of a fanbase eager to witness their continued success.
The Crimson Tide’s journey to the NCAA Tournament has been nothing short of spectacular. With Aaliyah Nye leading the charge, and the team playing at an extremely high level, the future is bright.