TAMPA - When Noah Williamson sank a 3-pointer with just 14 seconds left in Alabama's commanding 90-70 victory over Hofstra on Friday, it was more than just the final points of the game; it was a personal triumph. For Williamson, a transfer from Bucknell, this shot ended a 130-minute drought in SEC play and the conference tournament, where he had gone 0-for-14 from beyond the arc. His last successful three-pointer was back on December 29 against Yale, Alabama's final non-conference opponent.
Feeling the relief, Williamson shared, "Of course, and it felt great to win the game. My first win in March."
This season has been a challenging journey for Williamson. His playing time and opportunities to score have been limited.
After a standout year at Bucknell, where he averaged 17.6 points per game, his role with the Crimson Tide has been more restricted, clocking in at just eight minutes per game and averaging more fouls than points. During a stretch when Charles Bediako was briefly eligible, Williamson saw even less of the court.
With Bediako now out of the picture, Williamson's contributions, though limited in minutes, remain crucial. Coach Nate Oats was visibly pleased to see Williamson break his streak from the three-point line.
Reflecting on his season, Williamson admitted, "I definitely had a rocky start. But I think I'm in a good place where I've bought into team basketball and will do whatever it takes to get a win."
Looking ahead, Alabama is set to face Texas Tech in the Round of 32 on Sunday at 8:45 p.m. CT. Williamson and the team will be aiming to carry the momentum forward.