Alabama Crimson Tide vs Byu Cougars Picks and Predictions March 27th 2025

Stellar Offenses Take Center Stage as BYU Faces Alabama in Sweet 16

NEWARK, N.J. — When sixth-seeded BYU and second-seeded Alabama square off in the East Region Sweet 16 on Thursday night, fans can expect one thing in abundance: buckets. Both programs boast electric, high-octane offenses that have carried them through March Madness and into this much-anticipated showdown.

For BYU, this marks its first Sweet 16 appearance since the Jimmer Fredette-led run in 2011 — a memory still fresh in the minds of players like Trevin Knell, who grew up watching that team as a kid in Utah.

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“I probably was in school watching them, trying to sneak it on my phone and trying to tune in,” Knell recalled.

Now, Knell and the Cougars (26-9) are authoring their own story, guided by first-year head coach Kevin Young, whose background as an NBA assistant and G League tactician has proven pivotal in the program’s resurgence.

“I’ve referenced many of those game plans often,” Young said. “When you can say, ‘This is how we stopped Dame Lillard,’ that gives them bright eyes.”

Alabama’s Fast-Paced Attack vs. BYU’s Efficient Execution

While BYU thrives on precision, Alabama is all about pace. The Crimson Tide (27-8) lead the nation in scoring (90.8 ppg) and tempo, per KenPom, and they’re built to overwhelm opponents before they can settle into a rhythm.

Two-time All-American Mark Sears is the motor behind that machine. The senior guard averages 18.6 points and 5.0 assists per game and has already logged 12 NCAA Tournament appearances between stints at Ohio and Alabama.

“When we’re playing that fast, we’re going to most likely create an advantage within six seconds,” Sears said.

Sears posted 22 points and 10 assists in Alabama’s opening-round win over Robert Morris, then helped lead a balanced effort in the Crimson Tide’s victory over Saint Mary’s.

BYU’s offense, meanwhile, is built on balance and elite shooting. The Cougars shoot 58.4% from inside the arc (No. 9 nationally) and a blistering 37.3% from deep. Richie Saunders leads the team at 16.3 ppg and 43.1% from three, and his 25-point performance fueled BYU’s thrilling 91-89 win over Wisconsin.

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Eight Cougars average at least 6.9 points per game, and their depth, spacing, and unselfishness make them difficult to defend — even for a team as explosive as Alabama.

“We can’t give them simple threes,” Sears emphasized. “We’ve got to do a great job of that and try to limit rotations as much as possible.”

Building a New Legacy — with Help from an Old Hero

With the school investing heavily in its basketball program, BYU is becoming a serious player on the national stage. And players have leaned on program legends like Jimmer Fredette to guide them through the pressure of March.

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“I’ve been talking to Jimmer a ton,” Knell said. “He gave me advice for the first two rounds, and I called him again on Monday going into the Sweet 16.”

Alabama coach Nate Oats — who took Buffalo to tournament prominence before transforming Alabama into a Final Four program — praised Young’s rapid success and noted the Cougars’ offense as one of the most modern and difficult to defend in college basketball.

With contrasting offensive styles, seasoned leaders, and future pros on both sides, this Sweet 16 clash has the makings of a classic. If you’re betting on college basketball predictions, this high-scoring duel should be on your radar. Stay ahead of the action with our expert NCAAB picks and insights to guide your bets through the madness.