Alabama, led by Mark Sears, makes 25 3-pointers in a March Madness game, breaking the previous record.

The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team made history in the NCAA Tournament, setting a new record by hitting an astonishing 25 three-pointers in their 113-88 victory over the BYU Cougars during the Sweet 16. This remarkable shooting display shattered the previous record of 21 three-pointers, held by Loyola Marymount since 1990, and showcased Alabama’s offensive firepower at the most crucial time of the season.

Mark Sears Leads the Charge

Senior guard Mark Sears played a pivotal role in Alabama’s record-breaking night, delivering a career-high performance with 34 points. He connected on 10 of his 16 three-point attempts, leading the charge in Alabama’s barrage from beyond the arc. In addition to his sharpshooting, Sears contributed eight assists, becoming the first player in NCAA Tournament history to record at least eight three-pointers and eight assists in the same game.

After the game, Sears reflected on his incredible night, stating, “I live for those moments. This is what March Madness is about. When I saw the first couple go in, I knew it was going to be a special night.” His confidence and leadership proved instrumental in keeping Alabama’s offense firing on all cylinders throughout the game.

Alabama’s Relentless Perimeter Attack

From the opening tip, Alabama made their offensive strategy clear: launch three-pointers at an unprecedented rate. They attempted 51 shots from beyond the arc, setting another tournament record for three-point attempts in a single game. Their ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots in transition left BYU scrambling defensively.

The strategy paid off handsomely. Alabama shot an impressive 49% from three-point range, making 25 of their attempts. Their ball movement was exceptional, as they consistently found open shooters and took advantage of defensive breakdowns by the Cougars.

BYU’s Struggles from Deep

While Alabama thrived from beyond the arc, BYU struggled to find their rhythm from three-point range. The Cougars, known for their own three-point shooting prowess, started the game ice-cold, missing 12 of their first 13 attempts. By the end of the night, they had converted only 6-of-30 three-pointers, a stark contrast to Alabama’s historic performance.

Despite a strong effort from BYU’s Richie Saunders, who scored 25 points, the Cougars could not keep pace with Alabama’s offensive explosion. Their inability to match Alabama’s firepower ultimately proved to be their downfall.

Making Program History: Back-to-Back Elite Eight Appearances

With the victory, Alabama secured its second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, a feat never before accomplished in program history. Head coach Nate Oats expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “This group is special. We’ve worked all year for moments like this. When you shoot the ball like we did tonight, you give yourself a chance to win at the highest level.”

Alabama will now face the Duke Blue Devils in a highly anticipated Elite Eight matchup. Duke advanced to the next round after a thrilling 100-93 win over the Arizona Wildcats, led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, who dropped 30 points, and Tulane transfer Sion James, who contributed 16 points.

A Season Built on Three-Point Shooting

Alabama’s ability to rain down three-pointers has been a defining characteristic of their season. Head coach Nate Oats has built the team’s offensive system around spacing, ball movement, and efficient perimeter shooting. The team ranks among the top in the nation in both three-point attempts and three-point percentage, and their commitment to this style was on full display against BYU.

The emergence of Mark Sears as a premier scorer, along with contributions from Grant Nelson and Aaron Estrada, has made Alabama one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the country. Their ability to spread the floor and create open looks has made them a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.

The Contributions of Transfer Players

Alabama’s roster is a testament to the power of the transfer portal. Mark Sears, who transferred from Ohio University, and Grant Nelson, who arrived from North Dakota State, have played crucial roles in the team’s success. Their experience and ability to perform under pressure have been vital assets for the Crimson Tide.

Sears, in particular, has overcome a mid-season shooting slump to emerge as Alabama’s go-to scorer. His perseverance and confidence have been evident throughout the tournament, and his performance against BYU solidified his place as one of the best guards in the country.

Looking Ahead: The Showdown with Duke

Alabama’s Elite Eight matchup against Duke promises to be a high-stakes, high-scoring affair. Both teams boast elite offenses and dynamic playmakers, making this one of the most anticipated games of the tournament. Duke, led by Cooper Flagg and a talented supporting cast, will look to counter Alabama’s three-point attack with their own offensive firepower.

The game is scheduled for Saturday night and will be televised on TBS and TruTV. With a spot in the Final Four on the line, fans can expect a fast-paced, thrilling contest between two of the nation’s best teams.

The Evolution of College Basketball: The Three-Point Revolution

Alabama’s record-breaking performance is a reflection of the evolving landscape of college basketball. The three-point shot has become an increasingly vital weapon in the modern game, with teams prioritizing perimeter shooting more than ever before. Alabama’s success exemplifies how teams that embrace the three-point revolution can thrive on the biggest stage.

As the Crimson Tide continue their pursuit of a national championship, their reliance on perimeter shooting and the leadership of players like Mark Sears will be central to their strategy. If they can maintain their hot shooting, they have a legitimate chance to cut down the nets in April.

Alabama’s 25 three-pointers against BYU will be remembered as one of the most electrifying performances in NCAA Tournament history. Their ability to execute their game plan to perfection, combined with Mark Sears’ leadership and shooting, propelled them into the record books and the Elite Eight.

With their sights now set on Duke, Alabama has a chance to cement their legacy as one of the most dominant offensive teams of the modern era. Whether they can continue their historic run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Alabama has already left an indelible mark on March Madness history.