In a dazzling display of offensive prowess, the Alabama Crimson Tide shattered NCAA tournament records during their Sweet 16 matchup against the BYU Cougars on March 27, 2025. The Tide not only emerged victorious with a resounding 113-88 win, but they also set a new benchmark for most three-pointers made in a single game with 25, eclipsing the previous record of 21 held by Loyola Marymount since 1990.
The game was held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and it was clear from the outset that Alabama was ready to make history. They quickly established their dominance, opening the game with six three-pointers in the first seven minutes. By halftime, Alabama had already made 12 shots from beyond the arc, leading BYU 51-40.
Mark Sears, a first-team All-American, was the star of the night, finishing with an impressive 34 points, 10 of which came from three-point land. His performance not only helped his team secure the win but also etched his name in the NCAA record books as he became the first player in tournament history to record at least eight three-pointers and eight assists in a single game. "I was just in a zone," Sears reflected post-game. "Once I saw the first 3 fall in, I felt the basket was as big as an ocean. And every time I shot, I felt like it was going in."
Alabama’s offensive strategy was clear: exploit BYU's weaknesses in ball-screen coverage. Head coach Nate Oats emphasized this tactic in the team's scouting report, knowing that BYU had a tendency to go under screens and provide shooters with space. The Crimson Tide capitalized on this, as they rained down three-pointers throughout the game. "With their personnel, we knew that once they started going under, they always collapse," Oats explained. "I told these guys going in, if you move the ball ... our offense is designed to beat a defense like this."
As the game progressed, Alabama's offensive onslaught continued. With 7:41 left in the second half, Sears hit a three-pointer that not only brought the Tide's total to 22 but also broke the previous NCAA tournament record. Chris Youngblood, who finished with 19 points and five three-pointers, also played a crucial role, hitting the shot that tied the record earlier in the game.
Alabama's shooting statistics were staggering: they attempted 51 three-pointers, setting another NCAA tournament record for most attempts in a game, surpassing the previous record of 43 set by Saint Joseph's in 1997. The Crimson Tide shot an impressive 49% from beyond the arc and 53% from the field overall. In addition to Sears and Youngblood, Aden Holloway contributed significantly off the bench, scoring 23 points and making six three-pointers. Labaron Philon and Aiden Sherrell each added two three-pointers to the tally.
BYU, the sixth seed in the tournament, was no slouch either, having defeated Wisconsin in the second round to reach this stage. However, they struggled to keep up with Alabama's pace and precision. In the first half, BYU managed to make only one of their 13 attempts from three-point range, which proved detrimental as they fell behind early.
Despite BYU's efforts to mount a comeback, cutting the lead to single digits at times in the second half, Alabama consistently found ways to respond. Holloway’s timely three-pointers helped maintain the Tide's lead, and BYU was unable to swing momentum in their favor. BYU head coach Kevin Young acknowledged the challenge posed by Alabama, stating, "That's a really good basketball team. I mean, it was an all-time night for them. It felt like there was nothing we could do at times."
With the victory, Alabama advanced to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year, a first in the program's history. They will face the winner of the Duke-Arizona game on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as they aim for a spot in the Final Four.
As the game concluded, the atmosphere in Newark was electric, with Alabama fans celebrating their team’s historic performance. Coach Oats, who marked the six-year anniversary of his arrival in Tuscaloosa, expressed pride in his team's effort. "That was a fun game if you like offense," he said. "I loved watching them play." The Crimson Tide's remarkable shooting display not only secured their place in the next round but also left an indelible mark on NCAA tournament history.
