The Alabama Crimson Tide rolled into Newark, New Jersey, on March 27, 2025, for a Sweet 16 showdown against the BYU Cougars at the Prudential Center, and what unfolded was a record-breaking offensive clinic that ended with a 113-88 victory for the Tide. This NCAA Tournament clash pitted two high-powered offenses against each other, but Alabama’s relentless 3-point barrage—25 makes, a tournament record—proved too much for BYU to handle. For Tide fans, it was a night to savor, while the Cougars’ faithful were left to ponder what might have been in a game that showcased both teams’ strengths and exposed some critical weaknesses.
Alabama wasted no time asserting dominance, jumping out to an early lead behind a blistering start from guard Mark Sears. Sears, the senior All-American, finished with 34 points, hitting 11-of-18 from the field and 10-of-16 from beyond the arc. His ability to penetrate and kick it out through his 8 assists – and also bust it deep from downtown – set the tone, as the Tide’s ball movement carved up BYU’s defense.
“I felt like the basket was as big as an ocean,” Sears said after the game. “I lost myself in the game.”
Guard Aden Holloway also had a night with 23 points shooting 6-13 from long distance. Forward Chris Youngblood complemented Sears with 19 points, while Clifford Omoruyi added 10 points. Alabama’s depth was on full display, with four players reaching double figures—a balanced attack that kept the Cougars scrambling all night. Grant Nelson added 10 rebounds and Labaron Philon dished 6 assists
BYU, meanwhile, leaned heavily on forward Richie Saunders, who led the Cougars with 25 points on 10-14 shooting, but only 1-of-2 from three. Saunders’ scrappy play kept BYU in the fight early, especially in the first half when the Cougars trailed by eleven at the break, 51-40. Freshman guard Egor Demin chipped in 15 points and 7 assists, showing poise beyond his years, while center Keba Keita battled in the paint for 13 points and 6 rebounds.
The Cougars’ up-tempo style and 16-of-20 free throws kept them within striking distance for a while, but their defense couldn’t match Alabama’s firepower. They also couldn’t match Bama’s 3-point sharpshooting and hit only 6-of-30 from deep. Alabama’s 25-of-51 performance from beyond the arc was simply historic, as they exploited BYU’s collapsing defense with precision passing and open looks. Alabama broke Loyala Marymount’s 35 year-old record of 21 three-pointers made.
Defensively, Alabama wasn’t perfect—allowing 88 points is evidence of that—but they made key stops when it mattered. Forward Mouhamed Dioubate’s physicality disrupted BYU’s rhythm in the paint, limiting second-chance opportunities despite Keita’s efforts on the glass. The Tide outrebounded the Cougars 37-36, a stat that loomed large in a game where possessions were at a premium. BYU’s inability to slow Alabama’s transition game, coupled with 11 turnovers, sealed their fate as the deficit ballooned in the final frame.
For the Cougars, the first half offered hope. Saunders’ hot hand and Demin’s playmaking kept them competitive, and a late 3-pointer from guard Trevin Knell (9 points) trimmed the gap to single digits at halftime. But the second half exposed their defensive shortcomings. Alabama’s 62-point outburst after the break underscored BYU’s struggle to adjust, as the Tide’s shooters found clean looks time and again. Keita’s presence inside was notable, but he couldn’t contain Nelson or Dioubate, leaving the Cougars vulnerable to Alabama’s multifaceted attack.
In the postgame press conference, Alabama coach Nate Oats credited his team’s preparation and execution. “They [BYU] had been going under ball screens just about every game we watched. I told both those guys, (Aden) Holloway and Sears, man, I hope they go under us because we’re going to reign them,” Oats said. His words rang true, as Alabama’s spacing and ball movement turned the game into a 3-point shooting exhibition.
Oats also highlighted the team’s hard work, a hallmark of their tournament run. “We were in the gym last night, the night before. These guys show up for voluntary shooting every time it’s available to make sure that they’re ready to go, and that work pays off. We want to base our program on hard work. I am so proud of our guys. We’re in the Elite Eight for the third time in school history and back-to-back seasons. I thought everybody played well in their roles tonight.” It was a complete performance, one that showcased Alabama’s ability to dominate on both ends when the stakes are highest.
BYU’s season, while ending in disappointment, shouldn’t overshadow their impressive tournament journey. Knocking off No. 3 seed Wisconsin in the Round of 32 was a testament to their potential, and junior Saunders’ emergence as a star gives the Cougars a building block for the future. Freshman Demin’s 7-assist game and his steady hand against Alabama signal a bright horizon, but on this night, they simply ran into a buzzsaw. The Cougars shot 45.8% from the field but an uncharacteristic 20% from three, which meant the Cougars couldn’t keep pace with Alabama’s onslaught.
For Alabama, the win marks their third straight Sweet 16 appearance under Oats, and second straight appearance in the Elite Eight – a streak that underscores the program’s rise in college basketball during the Oats era. The Tide’s 28-8 record now includes a 3-0 mark in this tournament, with victories over Robert Morris (90-81), Saint Mary’s (80-66), and now BYU. Sears, Nelson, and Holloway have emerged as the nucleus, while Youngblood, Omoruyi, Philon and Dioubate provide both offensive and defensive boosts. It’s a formula that’s carried Alabama to the Elite Eight, where bigger challenges await.
Next up, Alabama faces No. 1 seed Duke on March 29, 2025, at 8:49 p.m. ET, back at the Prudential Center in Newark. The game will air on CBS, with radio coverage available on the Crimson Tide Sports Network (play-by-play by Chris Stewart, analysis by Bryan Passink). Duke, led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, advanced with an 85-78 win over Arizona, setting up a clash of titans in the East Region final. Alabama will need to replicate their offensive efficiency and tighten up defensively to topple the Blue Devils, who boast a top-10 defense and a 11-3 Quad 1 record (compared to Alabama’s 13-8 Quad 1 record).
The Tide’s path to the Final Four is far from easy, but nights like March 27 prove they’re built for the moment. BYU tested them with pace and perimeter shooting, yet Alabama answered with a historic performance that will echo in tournament lore. As the Crimson Tide prepare for Duke, the focus shifts to maintaining that edge—because in March, it’s not just about how you start, but how you finish. For now, Bama fans can bask in a Sweet 16 triumph that showcased their team at its explosive best.
Upcoming Elite Eight Game on March 29, 2025
- Matchup: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Duke Blue Devils
- Date and Time: Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 8:49 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, #2 seed in East
- Duke Ranking: AP #1, Coaches #1, #1 seed in East