Alabama women’s basketball won its first NCAA Tournament game since 2021, beating Florida State, 82-74, in the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

The Tide (24-9, 10-6 Southeastern Conference) rallied behind a double-double from freshman Essence Cody (team-high 20 points, 14 rebounds four blocks). Alabama out-scored FSU (23-11) by 12 in the third quarter.

It’s the second win coach Kristy Curry has led Alabama to in the month of March. The Tide last made it to the second round three years ago. UA is now 8-6 in the postseason under Curry, who’s led the Tide for 11 seasons. Alabama will play one-seed and host team Texas on Sunday.

Florida State opened with a 10-4 and then a 19-13 lead as the Tide struggled with turnovers (20 total). Forward Makayla Timpson scored 14 points on 7 of 10 shooting in the first half. Guard Ta’Niya Latson added 10 points.

Florida State had a 40% shooting rate compared to Alabama’s 50.8%. UA also grabbed 47 rebounds compared to FSU’s 33.

Alabama’s trio of Sarah Ashlee Barker, Aaliyah Nye and Cody attempted 21 of the team’s shots in the opening half, combining for 22 points. Five different Tide players also made 3-pointers and the game was tied at 40 at intermission.

Guard Karly Weathers scored 18 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. She also added five assists and five rebounds. Weathers, Cody and Nye scored 56 of Alabama’s 82 points. Loyal McQueen scored 13 points with a team-leading six assists.

Alabama managed a six-point lead after the break, repeatedly driving to the paint A Loyal McQueen layup forced FSU into a timeout early in the third quarter. That grew to an eight-point lead after a second-chance bucket from Nye toward the end of the frame.

Back-to-back possessions ending in Alabama turnovers opened the door for a Florida State comeback halfway through the fourth. FSU was powered by Latson’s 25 points on 9-of-23 shooting. She also grabbed eight rebounds. But Alabama kept hitting shots, holding onto a five-point lead with 4:28 remaining.

Florida State missed three of its last four shots as the Tide continued dancing.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].