The Alabama women’s basketball team has put together a compelling season-one marked by flashes of brilliance but also frustrating stumbles that have kept them from fully breaking through. Just when it feels like the Tide are gaining momentum, something seems to derail the ride. We saw it last month with a tough road loss to Auburn after a three-game win streak, and again this past Sunday when Alabama fell to Texas A&M, just days after a big-time win over Ole Miss.
Now, Kristy Curry’s squad is staring down the stretch run of a brutal SEC schedule. Ironically, this week’s matchup against Oklahoma-on paper, one of the more manageable games left-could be anything but easy. The Sooners made noise recently by handing South Carolina their first conference loss, a reminder that they’re capable of flipping the script against anyone when they’re locked in.
For Alabama, the stakes are clear. They’ve already notched three wins over ranked opponents this season, and knocking off No.
10 Oklahoma would be another statement victory-a resume booster that could carry real weight come March. If that’s going to happen, it’ll likely be on the shoulders of Jessica Timmons, who’s been the heartbeat of this team.
Her ability to take over games, especially against top-tier competition, has made her the go-to option when Alabama needs a bucket or a spark.
But it’s not just about Timmons. For Alabama to pull off another upset, they’ll need a full-team effort.
Essence Cody and Naomi Jones have to stay out of foul trouble-something that’s been a challenge at times this year. Their presence in the paint is critical, especially against a physical Oklahoma squad.
And keep an eye on Carly Weathers. She’s shown a knack for hitting timely shots, and in a close game, her ability to deliver in the fourth quarter could be the difference.
One X-factor? The home crowd.
The energy in Coleman Coliseum wasn’t quite where it needed to be during the Ole Miss win, and with this game falling right after Valentine’s Day, Alabama could use a strong turnout to give them that extra boost. In a conference as unforgiving as the SEC, any edge matters.
And make no mistake-the schedule doesn’t get easier from here. After Sunday’s showdown with Oklahoma, Alabama still has to face South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Texas.
Three of their final four games are against some of the league’s best. A road trip to Florida is the closest thing to a breather, and even that’s no cakewalk.
Right now, hosting NCAA Tournament games feels like a long shot. But if the Tide can stack a few more ranked wins and push their SEC win total past 20, they’ll make a strong case.
This team has shown they can hang with anyone. The question now is whether they can do it consistently, especially when the lights are brightest.
Sunday’s game is more than just another matchup-it’s a chance to prove they belong in the national conversation.