For three weeks, everything comes to a standstill as colleges lock horns to win that prestigious title. For some, it is another in the kitty, for others it is their first in a decade, and what makes it even more exciting is that the hunger of all 60 plus teams is different in the run. So, it is safe to say, March Madness is never short on drama, even though the 2025 NCAA Tournament hasn’t seen a major upset till now. But the Sweet 16 matchup between Alabama and BYU is going to be a memorable one. For the Crimson Tide, this is just another season at this stage of the tournament — they’re in the Sweet 16 for a third-straight season. Meanwhile, this is BYU’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2011, making the Cougars’ run all the more meaningful.
Alabama and BYU are two teams best known for their football success, but their basketball teams have developed into two of the best programs in the NCAA over time. For Alabama, the Crimson Tide has been running through opponents under the leadership of Nate Oats, particularly following last year’s historic Final Four berth. Meanwhile, for BYU, it was an unexpected yet exciting ride to this point. Coached by first-year head coach Kevin Young, the Cougars have defied expectations to reach the Sweet 16. The former associate head coach of the Phoenix Suns has proven that the NBA coaching experience matters in college, and now it is time for the final showdown.
Alabama’s speed vs BYU’s control in Sweet 16 battle
Alabama started the tournament as the No. 2 seed in the East Region and has cruised through its first two matchups. After blowing out Robert Morris in their first game, 90-81, Alabama took care of No. 7 St. Mary’s 80-66, proving it can handle teams that key in on defense. Meanwhile, BYU has taken a more circuitous route to the Sweet 16. After fending off No. 11 VCU 80-71 as the No. 6 seed, BYU upset No. 3 Wisconsin in a 91-89 victory. The win made college basketball fans everywhere take notice. This BYU isn’t just happy to be here—the Cougars plan on sticking around.
In terms of lineups:
Alabama:
Labaron Philon(10.5ppg, 3.3rpg)
Mark Sears(18.6ppg, 5.0apg)
Chris Youngblood(10.0ppg, 2.2rpg)
Grant Nelson(11.7ppg, 7.5rpg)
Clifford Omoruyi(7.9ppg, 6.7rpg)
BYU:
Dawson Baker(7.6ppg, 1.9rpg)
Trevin Knell(9.1ppg, 2.3rpg)
Richie Saunders(16.3ppg, 4.4rpg)
Mihailo Boskovic(3.7ppg, 1.8rpg)
Fousseyni Traore(8.7ppg, 5.4rpg)
When reached this far, no team is above another, but what could decide this game is temperament. Alabama is a leading fast-break team, averaging 1.12 points per possession in transition(2nd in the country). They want to turn defense into offense and get out and run. On the other hand, BYU prefers a more structured offense. They run a half-court offense with misdirection and screens to get open looks. Alabama’s going to want to force turnovers; BYU coughed it up 14 times against Wisconsin, to get out on the fast break. But BYU could exploit Alabama’s aggressive defense with dribble penetration as they did earlier in the tournament. It is all heated, and the one who holds the nerve will go past the line.
A Battle of Three-Pointers?
Both teams have a high reliance on the three-point shot, that’s what the numbers represent. The Crimson Tide averages 29.2 attempts per game, while the Cougars aren’t far behind at 28.5. Alabama shoots at a slightly better clip of 35% from beyond the arc, but Saunders (43.1%) and Baker (38.7%) are more than capable of hitting timely three-pointers. Again, it boils down to who is better on the day. If one of those sharpshooters can get going from deep, they might just steal the game away from the opposition in the blink of an eye.
Jan 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) handles the ball during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
But there’s one area the Alabama side has an advantage. Their offensive prowess is unmatched, and their ability to score on fast breaks only makes them more dangerous. BYU has shown they are capable of upstaging stronger opponents, as Wisconsin found out. Record by its side, the Crimson Tide has a 68% win probability and is favored by a 4.5-point spread. With a prolific offensive unit that can switch gears, Alabama should win this one, but not without the Cougars putting up a hard fight.
Coaching strategies will also play a big role. Nate Oats will likely encourage Alabama to push the pace and get early shots, taking advantage of their speed, whereas Kevin Young, with his NBA background, will try to slow things down and control the game with a more methodical offense. This clash of styles could lead to a high-scoring game, with a total points line set at 175.5, according to SportsLine. The predicted final score from here is 85—80 in favor of Alabama, so what’s yours?
In the end, this Sweet 16 matchup is going to be a must-watch. Will Alabama continue its dominant march through the tournament, or will BYU’s Cinderella story continue? It’s anyone’s guess, but one thing is for sure—it’s going to be an exciting game!
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