NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The Alabama Crimson Tide made history on March 27, 2025, by breaking the long-standing NCAA tournament record for three-pointers in a game, hitting a staggering 25 shots from beyond the arc in a dominating 113-88 victory over the BYU Cougars in the East Region semifinal. This record-breaking performance not only showcased Alabama's sharpshooting prowess but also marked their second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, a first in program history.
Mark Sears, Alabama's standout guard and a first-team All-America selection, was the star of the night. He scored 34 points, with 30 of those coming from three-pointers, finishing the game with an impressive 10-for-16 shooting from long distance. His ninth three-pointer, which came with 7:41 left in the game, pushed Alabama's total to 22, breaking the previous NCAA tournament record of 21 set by the iconic Loyola Marymount team in 1990.
"I felt like the basket was as big as an ocean," Sears said after the game. "I lost myself in the game." His performance received a standing ovation from the Alabama fans as he checked out with over four minutes left, having put on a shooting clinic that will be remembered for years to come.
Alabama's victory was a team effort, with several players contributing to the record-breaking night. Reserve guard Aden Holloway also had a stellar performance, scoring 23 points on 6-for-13 shooting from three-point range. Chris Youngblood added 19 points, hitting five of his eleven three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Labaron Philon and Aiden Sherrell chipped in with two three-pointers each, helping the Tide achieve a remarkable 25-for-51 (49%) from beyond the arc.
The Crimson Tide's 113 points were the most ever scored by a team in a Sweet 16 game, illustrating their offensive firepower. Alabama's previous record for three-pointers in a game was 23, which they set against LSU in 2021. Their shooting display against BYU not only rewrote the record books but also showcased their evolution under head coach Nate Oats, who has emphasized a three-point heavy offensive strategy.
BYU, despite their spirited effort, struggled to keep pace with Alabama's barrage of threes. The Cougars, led by Richie Saunders who scored 25 points, found themselves outmatched, particularly in the first half when they missed 12 of their 13 three-point attempts. Coach Kevin Young acknowledged the difficulty in trying to match Alabama's shooting, stating, "We felt like it was hard for them to sustain that. You’re trying everything and nothing seemed to work."
The game was a stark contrast to BYU's previous performances, as they had relied heavily on their shooting to reach the Sweet 16. Alabama's defensive pressure and relentless offense left the Cougars scrambling, unable to find their rhythm throughout the contest.
As the game progressed, Alabama continued to build on their lead, with Sears and Youngblood hitting back-to-back threes to extend their advantage to 38-30 midway through the first half. The Crimson Tide's ability to capitalize on open shots and their fast-paced transition game kept BYU on their heels.
In the second half, Alabama's dominance was undeniable. Sears opened the half with another three-pointer, pushing the lead to 63-47 and forcing BYU into a timeout. The Cougars attempted to mount a comeback, pulling within striking distance at times, but each time they made a run, Alabama responded with another three-pointer, effectively snuffing out any hopes of a comeback.
With this victory, Alabama advances to face the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight, setting up a highly anticipated matchup. Duke also had a successful night, defeating the Arizona Wildcats 100-93, thanks in part to Cooper Flagg's incredible performance, where he scored 30 points and contributed significantly across the board with six rebounds and seven assists.
Alabama's historic night not only highlights their offensive capabilities but also underscores the growing competitiveness of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the NCAA tournament. The Crimson Tide's success continues to elevate their program, as they look to reach only their second Final Four in history, following their first appearance last season.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Alabama can carry their momentum into the next round and potentially make a deep run toward the championship. With their current form and shooting prowess, the Crimson Tide are certainly a force to be reckoned with.
In conclusion, Alabama's record-breaking performance against BYU will go down in NCAA tournament history, not just for the numbers but for the excitement and energy they brought to the court. As they prepare for their next challenge against Duke, one thing is clear: Alabama is ready to make a statement in March Madness.
