The Alabama Crimson Tide’s best plan for defeating the BYU Cougars and returning to the Elite Eight is revealed by Nate Oats.
Nate Oats has laid out a clear and tactical approach for Alabama to defeat BYU and advance to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. His strategy revolves around three key elements: defending the perimeter, using Alabama’s athleticism, and dictating the pace of play.
1. Limiting BYU’s Three-Point Shooting
One of Oats’ primary concerns is BYU’s proficiency from beyond the arc. The Cougars rely heavily on three-point shooting, attempting and making a high volume of shots from deep. Oats emphasized that Alabama cannot afford to give BYU open looks from long range.
“You can’t give them threes. They take a lot of threes. They make a lot of threes. You got to get them off the three-point line,” Oats said.
BYU ranks among the top teams in the country in three-point attempts and makes. Their ability to stretch the floor makes them a dangerous opponent, and Alabama will have to close out aggressively on shooters while avoiding unnecessary fouls. A major focus in practice has been on perimeter defense and switching effectively to contest every shot.
2. Using Athleticism to Their Advantage
Alabama has a significant edge in athleticism over BYU. Oats acknowledged that while BYU is a skilled and disciplined team, the Crimson Tide’s superior speed and physicality could be the deciding factor in the game.
“I do think we’re more athletic than them at spots, and we got to use that to our advantage, but we’re gonna have to play well.”
Alabama will look to exploit mismatches, push the tempo, and attack the rim whenever possible. Oats wants his team to force BYU into uncomfortable situations where they struggle to keep up with Alabama’s fast-paced attack.
3. Controlling the Tempo
Both Alabama and BYU play at a high tempo, but Oats believes his team needs to dictate the pace to keep BYU from getting into a rhythm.
“They are definitely way more stylistically like us.”
This means Alabama will aim to play aggressive defense, create turnovers, and get out in transition. The Crimson Tide excel when they can play in space, making quick decisions and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
- Mark Sears (Alabama) – As Alabama’s leading scorer, Sears will be a crucial factor in breaking down BYU’s defense. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates will be essential.
- Rylan Griffen (Alabama) – A strong perimeter defender, Griffen’s ability to limit BYU’s top shooters could determine the game’s outcome.
- Jaxson Robinson (BYU) – The former Arkansas transfer is one of BYU’s best shooters, and Alabama will need to contain him to prevent a three-point barrage.
- Dallin Hall (BYU) – BYU’s floor general, Hall is an efficient passer who orchestrates the offense. If Alabama can pressure him into mistakes, it will disrupt BYU’s rhythm.
Game Prediction and Final Thoughts
This matchup will likely be a high-scoring affair, with both teams pushing the pace. Alabama’s ability to execute their defensive game plan—contesting three-pointers, forcing turnovers, and utilizing their athleticism—will be the deciding factor. If they can successfully limit BYU’s perimeter shooting and control the tempo, the Crimson Tide have a strong chance of advancing to the Elite Eight.
The game is set for Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 4:09 PM PDT. Expect an intense battle between two high-powered offenses, with Alabama looking to continue their deep tournament run under Nate Oats.