No. 3 seed Texas advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 SEC Women's Basketball Tournament with an 83-60 victory over No. 11 seed Alabama on March 6 in Greenville, South Carolina. The Longhorns pulled away early and maintained control despite a stronger second-half effort from the Crimson Tide. Alabama's tournament run ends as it awaits an NCAA Tournament bid.
The quarterfinal matchup pitted the Texas Longhorns (29-3, 13-3 SEC) against the Alabama Crimson Tide (23-10, 7-9 SEC) at the SEC Tournament in Greenville, S.C. Texas, ranked No. 3, dominated from the outset, securing a decisive win to advance.
Alabama briefly led early in the first quarter on a 3-pointer by Ta'Mia Scott, but Texas responded with a 5-0 run. The Longhorns ended the period on a 14-5 spurt, limiting Alabama to 10 points and taking a 21-10 lead. Texas extended the advantage in the second quarter, holding Alabama scoreless for the first 6:12 while adding 14 points, leading 52-19 at halftime.
The Crimson Tide mounted a comeback in the second half, outscoring Texas 41-31 over the final 20 minutes. Alabama won the third quarter 20-15 and the fourth 21-16, narrowing the gap to 30 points at one point after trailing by 36. However, Texas held on for the 83-60 victory.
Shooting efficiencies highlighted Texas's edge: 50% from the field (32-of-64), 50% from three (9-of-18), and 77% from the free-throw line (10-of-13). Alabama shot 40% from the floor (23-of-57), 29% from deep (5-of-17), and 64% from the line (9-of-14).
Jordan Lee led Texas with 16 points, while Madison Booker grabbed 10 rebounds. For Alabama, Diana Collins, Jessica Timmons, Ace Austin, and Alancia Ramsey each scored eight points; Joy Egbuna had a career-high six rebounds.
Alabama head coach Kristy Curry reflected postgame: "We were just a little disjointed to start the game, and I think you have to credit their defense. So proud of my team... This group, what they did from June 1 on... is absolutely astounding."
All 12 Alabama players saw action, with reserves contributing 28 points. Ace Austin surpassed 200 career points, and Tianna Chambers set a career high with six points. Alabama now awaits its NCAA Tournament selection on March 15.
