Alabama used a tournament-record 25 3-pointers to bury BYU in Sweet 16
The Alabama Crimson Tide delivered an electrifying performance in the Sweet 16, demolishing BYU with a historic barrage of three-pointers. Alabama’s relentless long-range shooting set a new NCAA Tournament record with 25 three-pointers, securing a resounding victory and a ticket to the Elite Eight.
A Historic Night from Beyond the Arc
Alabama’s ability to shoot from deep has been one of their defining strengths throughout the season, but against BYU, they took it to an unprecedented level. The Crimson Tide connected on an astounding 25 three-pointers, breaking the previous NCAA Tournament record. The team shot with remarkable efficiency, hitting 25-of-47 (53.2%) from downtown, a percentage that left BYU scrambling to adjust defensively.
Senior guard Mark Sears led the offensive explosion with a career-high seven three-pointers, finishing the night with 28 points. He was joined by teammates Aaron Estrada and Rylan Griffen, who each contributed five three-pointers, ensuring that Alabama’s offensive onslaught remained relentless throughout the game. The Tide’s offensive scheme, built around rapid ball movement and finding the open shooter, left BYU’s defense unable to close out effectively on Alabama’s snipers.
First-Half Blitz Sets the Tone
From the opening tip-off, Alabama established their game plan and wasted no time putting it into action. The Tide came out firing, sinking their first four three-point attempts and setting the tone early. By the ten-minute mark of the first half, Alabama had already hit nine three-pointers, leaving BYU in a double-digit hole.
While BYU’s defense attempted to make adjustments, Alabama’s pace and off-ball movement created open looks that they capitalized on consistently. At halftime, Alabama had drained 14 three-pointers and built a commanding 18-point lead. BYU, despite some strong individual performances, struggled to keep up with the relentless pace of the Crimson Tide.
BYU’s Struggles and Defensive Woes
BYU entered the game as one of the more balanced teams in the tournament, boasting strong outside shooting of their own and a disciplined defensive scheme. However, Alabama’s perimeter dominance quickly dismantled any hopes of a defensive stronghold. The Cougars’ defensive rotations were a step too slow, allowing Alabama to exploit gaps and create open shots.
On the offensive end, BYU found themselves struggling to match Alabama’s firepower. The Cougars, typically a solid three-point shooting team themselves, shot just 9-of-27 (33.3%) from beyond the arc. Jaxson Robinson led BYU with 22 points, but his efforts were overshadowed by Alabama’s record-setting night.
The Tide’s Balanced Attack
Beyond Sears, Estrada, and Griffen, Alabama saw contributions from up and down the roster. Freshman forward Sam Walters added four three-pointers of his own, while Jaden Bradley provided key minutes and defensive pressure to keep BYU’s guards from finding a rhythm.
Head coach Nate Oats credited the team’s unselfish play and commitment to spacing for the offensive explosion. “We’ve always emphasized playing fast and shooting with confidence, but tonight was something special,” Oats said. “Guys were locked in, moving the ball, and trusting each other. When we play like this, we’re tough to beat.”
Records and Implications
With 25 three-pointers made, Alabama not only set an NCAA Tournament record but also tied the all-time Division I record for most threes in a single game. The previous tournament record was held by Loyola Marymount, who hit 21 in a game back in 1990.
The win sends Alabama to the Elite Eight for the second time in three seasons, reinforcing their status as a legitimate title contender. With their three-point shooting clicking at this level, the Crimson Tide appear to be one of the most dangerous teams left in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
Alabama’s next challenge will come against a formidable opponent in the Elite Eight, where they will face either UConn or Tennessee. Both teams present different challenges, with UConn’s size and defensive versatility and Tennessee’s physicality in the paint. However, if Alabama continues their blistering shooting form, they will be a difficult team to slow down.
As the tournament progresses, Alabama’s ability to dictate the tempo and stretch defenses with their perimeter game could be the key to making a deep run. Opposing coaches will have to decide whether to chase shooters off the line or risk allowing open looks—an unenviable decision given the Tide’s efficiency.
For now, Alabama will celebrate a historic night, reveling in their record-breaking performance while preparing for the next step on their journey to a national championship. If their Sweet 16 showing is any indication, the Crimson Tide are peaking at the perfect time.