3 takeaways from Alabama's season-ending loss vs. Louisville

The Alabama Crimson Tide were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament in heartbreaking fashion during a 69-68 loss against Louisville on Monday afternoon. The Tide held their own against the Cardinals despite star guard Jessica Timmons struggling in the first half, as Alabama ultimately fell just short of their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1998. Alabama has officially been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament following the loss, as the Tide had an excellent season throughout the 2025-26 campaign, despite the early departure from March Madness.

Here are three takeaways from Alabama’s season-ending loss against Louisville. Ace Austin thrives off the bench, records 17 points Austin is an extremely talented freshman that continued to showcase her potential on a nightly basis for the Tide this season. The star guard recorded 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the loss, as Austin was excellent throughout the entire matchup in 25 minutes played off the bench.

Austin shot an impressive 5-of-8 from behind the arc as well, as the talented playmaker will more than likely emerge with a much larger role at Alabama next season. Jessica Timmons struggles, scores 8 points Timmons was unable to come through for Alabama during the Tide’s biggest moment of the season against Louisville on Monday. The star guard was excellent all year, but Timmons shot an ice cold 3-of-10 from the field and recorded just eight total points during the loss to the Cardinals.

The talented senior had an elite 2025-26 campaign despite struggling throughout the postseason, as Timmons has officially seen her stellar season come to an end. Diana Collins shoots an impressive 80% from three-point range Collins has been widely regarded as a top three point shooter throughout the SEC this season. The talented guard shot 4-of-5 from behind the arc while totaling 14 points, as Collins was able to step up in a major way on the offensive end of the floor against Louisville.