In a thrilling display of skill and precision, Mark Sears led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a resounding victory over the BYU Cougars in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on March 27, 2025. The No. 2 seed Alabama showcased their prowess from beyond the arc, breaking multiple records in a game that ended with an impressive score of 113-88.
Mark Sears, in his third season with the Crimson Tide, was determined to make a significant impact as Alabama aimed to return to the Final Four for the second time in as many years. Entering the game, he had already amassed 2,799 career points, placing him 23rd on the all-time college basketball scoring list, according to Sports Reference.
With 13:56 left in the first half, Sears hit a crucial 3-point shot, assisted by Jarin Stevenson, marking his seventh point of the game and pushing his career total to 2,806. This moment was pivotal, as it propelled him into the top 20 on the NCAA's all-time scoring list, surpassing notable players such as Hunter Dickinson and Allan Houston.
By the end of the game, Sears had scored 34 points and moved to 19th on the all-time scoring list with 2,833 career points. His performance not only highlighted his scoring ability but also established him as the top scorer among all active players in college basketball. As he continues to chase Larry Bird's 18th place finish with 2,850 points, the excitement surrounding Sears and the Crimson Tide is palpable.
In addition to Sears' impressive scoring, Alabama's performance from beyond the arc was nothing short of spectacular. The Crimson Tide set a new NCAA Tournament record for the most three-pointers made by a team in a single game, hitting 25-of-51 attempts from deep, which translates to an impressive 49%. The previous record of 21 three-pointers was held by Loyola Marymount since 1990.
Alabama's offensive strategy was clear: take advantage of BYU's defensive setup. The Cougars packed the paint, allowing Alabama to find numerous open shots from long range. Sears, who had struggled with his shooting in the previous games, broke out of a slump that saw him make only 5-of-35 from three in the last five games. Against BYU, he connected on 10-of-16 from beyond the arc, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
"I wasn't worried about my shooting struggles coming into this game," Sears said prior to the match. "I knew I just needed to keep shooting and trust my work ethic." His confidence paid off in a big way, as he not only broke the NCAA Tournament record for team three-pointers but also achieved personal milestones, including being the first player in NCAA Tournament history to make eight three-pointers and record at least seven assists.
While Sears shined, he was not alone in his efforts. Fellow guard Aden Holloway also had a fantastic game, coming off the bench to score 23 points on 6-of-13 shooting from three-point range, including five threes in the second half. Chris Youngblood and Labaron Philon contributed significantly as well, hitting five and two three-pointers, respectively.
Alabama's victory over BYU not only marked their advancement to the Elite Eight but also shattered the Sweet 16 glass ceiling that had loomed over the program historically. This is the Crimson Tide's second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, a testament to the growth and resilience of the team under head coach Nate Oats.
As Alabama prepares for their next challenge, they will face the winner of the upcoming matchup between the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils and the No. 4 seed Arizona Wildcats on March 29, 2025. With the momentum from their record-setting performance, the Crimson Tide are eager to continue their march through the tournament.
Looking ahead, the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. Alabama has proven they can compete at the highest level, and with Mark Sears leading the charge, the dream of returning to the Final Four is within reach. Will they capitalize on this momentum and make history once again? Only time will tell.
