Alabama Crimson Tide vs Brigham Young Cougars – NCAA Tournament Preview – March 27, 2025
Alabama and BYU meet Thursday night in the Sweet 16 at the Prudential Center in Newark. Alabama is the 2-seed in the East and comes in at 27-8. BYU is the 6-seed and holds a 26-9 record after back-to-back close wins in the tournament.
This is just the second meeting between the programs. Alabama won the last one in 2017. Both teams have different strengths. Alabama plays fast and scores a lot, while BYU shoots well from deep and focuses on ball movement. Tip-off is set for 7:09 p.m. ET.
Alabama Preview – Speed and Scoring Power
Alabama ranks first in the country in scoring at 90.8 points per game. Their fast pace helps them create quick scoring chances. Mark Sears leads the way with 18.6 points and 5.0 assists per game. He had 22 points and 10 assists in the first round.
In their second-round win over Saint Mary’s, six players scored in double figures. Grant Nelson added 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Chad Omoruyi grabbed 11 rebounds. Latrell Philon also chipped in with 6 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds. The team’s balance gives them multiple scoring options.
On defense, Alabama gives up 81.0 points per game, which ranks low nationally. They do a good job blocking shots and limiting turnovers. They average 4.3 blocks per game and are strong on the boards with 33.5 rebounds per game. Alabama has reached the Sweet 16 in three straight seasons and continues to play with pace and confidence.
BYU Preview – Balanced and Efficient Attack
BYU is built around efficient offense. The Cougars shoot 58.4% on two-point shots and 37.3% from three, both among the best in the country. Richie Saunders leads them with 16.3 points per game and shoots over 43% from deep. He scored 25 points in the second-round win over Wisconsin.
Egor Demin adds playmaking at guard, with 8 assists and 8 rebounds in the last game. Trevin Knell and Keba Keita both add scoring and defense, with Knell hitting 5 of 9 shots and Keita blocking 3 shots against Wisconsin. The Cougars have eight players averaging at least 6.9 points per game, showing their depth.
Defensively, BYU gives up 81.0 points per game but blocks 3.2 shots and grabs 33.5 rebounds per game. They allow fewer three-pointers than most teams and will need to close out shooters against Alabama. BYU has hit the over in 11 of their last 14 games and has covered the spread in 19 of their last 27.
Betting Prediction
Alabama is a slight favorite in this Sweet 16 matchup. The total is expected to be high with both teams ranked near the bottom in points allowed but top-tier in scoring. The over has hit in 11 of BYU’s last 14 games and 21 of Alabama’s last 38.
This should be a close game. Alabama has more experience in deep tournament runs, and Sears gives them a strong closer. BYU has shooting and depth, but Alabama’s pace and scoring could wear them down. Alabama should win by a few points and cover the small spread.
Pick: Alabama -4
