The Alabama Crimson Tide and the BYU Cougars are set to clash in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament tonight at 7:09 PM ET at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This matchup features two teams with contrasting styles and strengths, promising an intriguing battle for a spot in the Elite Eight.
Alabama enters the game with a 27-8 record, finishing third in the SEC with a 13-5 conference mark. The Crimson Tide are known for their high-octane offense, averaging 90.8 points per game, which ranks among the nation’s best. Senior guard Mark Sears leads the team with 18.6 points and 5.0 assists per game, providing both scoring and playmaking prowess. Forward Grant Nelson contributes significantly in the frontcourt, averaging 11.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
Defensively, Alabama allows 81.0 points per game, indicating a tendency toward high-scoring affairs. Their aggressive style can lead to vulnerabilities, particularly against disciplined offenses that capitalize on defensive lapses.
BYU counters with a 26-9 record, finishing third in the Big 12 with a 14-6 conference record. The Cougars boast a balanced attack, averaging 78.5 points per game while allowing 70.2, showcasing their defensive discipline. Forward Richie Saunders leads the team with 16.3 points per game, shooting an impressive 51.1% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range. Freshman guard Egor Demin has been a revelation, averaging 10.5 points and 5.4 assists per game, including a program-record 11 assists in his debut.
In the frontcourt, center Keba Keita provides a strong presence, averaging 7.3 points and leading the team with 7.9 rebounds per game. His ability to control the paint will be crucial against Alabama’s athletic big men.
Historically, Alabama and BYU have limited encounters, with Alabama leading the all-time series 2-1. Their last meeting occurred in the 2019 Maui Invitational, where the Crimson Tide secured a 79-67 victory.
In the NCAA Tournament, Alabama advanced to the Sweet 16 by defeating Robert Morris 90-81 in the first round, followed by an 80-66 victory over Saint Mary’s. BYU reached this stage by overcoming VCU 80-71 and edging out Wisconsin 91-89 in a thrilling second-round game.
Key factors in this matchup include Alabama’s transition offense against BYU’s half-court defense. The Crimson Tide thrive in up-tempo situations, while the Cougars excel in controlling the game’s pace. Additionally, the battle between Alabama’s perimeter shooting and BYU’s perimeter defense could be decisive.
Both teams have shown resilience and adaptability throughout the season. Alabama’s experience from last year’s Final Four run provides them with valuable postseason insight, while BYU’s blend of seasoned players and impactful newcomers has fueled their success.
Game Summary:
- Matchup: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. BYU Cougars
- Date and Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 7:09 PM ET
- Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Television: CBS
- Streaming: Available on CBS Sports app and CBS All Access
- Alabama Ranking: AP #7, Coaches #8
- BYU Ranking: AP #17, Coaches #17