BYU (26-9) vs Alabama (27-8)
- When: Mar 27 2025, 7:09 PM
- Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, USA
- Where to watch: CBS
NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Betting Preview
Alabama is currently a 5.0-point favorite over BYU, with the total set at a high 176.0 — fitting for a matchup expected to be an up-tempo, offensive shootout.
Alabama Outlook & Betting Angle
The Crimson Tide (27-8) roll into their third straight Sweet 16 boasting the most explosive offense in the country. Averaging over 90 points per game and playing at the fastest tempo in Division I, Alabama thrives in chaos. Guard Mark Sears — their catalyst — has been electric, pouring in 22 points and dishing out 10 assists in the opening round. With his NCAA Tournament experience and Alabama’s ability to get six players into double digits, the Tide are tough to stop once they get going.
Alabama’s offense ranks No. 1 in adjusted tempo and scoring per KenPom, and they’ll look to push the pace from the opening tip. Coach Nate Oats has built a high-octane system, and this team is fully bought in.
Prediction: Alabama’s ability to create advantages early in the shot clock and their balanced scoring attack gives them the upper hand here. Lay the 5.0 with the Tide and lean OVER on the total. Expect a score in the range of 93-83.
BYU Outlook & Betting Angle
BYU (26-9) is in the Sweet 16 for the first time since the Jimmer Fredette era and is doing it with a blend of modern basketball and gritty execution. Under first-year coach Kevin Young, the Cougars are top-30 in 3-point shooting and elite inside the arc, hitting 58.4% of their 2-point attempts.
They aren’t afraid of a track meet but will aim to counter Alabama’s chaos with discipline. Richie Saunders leads the scoring with 16.3 PPG, but the strength of this squad is its depth — seven players average between 6.9 and 10.5 points, giving BYU the versatility to hang in a fast-paced game.
Young’s NBA experience and meticulous game-planning could be a difference-maker. He’s been preparing BYU like a pro-level program, referencing former NBA scouting strategies to stop elite players — and Alabama’s Sears is next on that list.
Prediction: BYU will land punches and score plenty, but sustaining their offense while defending Alabama’s tempo for 40 minutes is a tall order. A strong first half could make BYU a live bet, but Alabama covers late.
Best Bets
ATS Pick: Alabama -5.0
Total Pick: Over 176.0
Predicted Score: Alabama 93, BYU 83
Props to Watch:
Mark Sears Over 6.5 Assists
Richie Saunders Over 2.5 Made 3-Pointers
Total First Half Points Over 85.5
This game will feature fireworks. If you’re betting, don’t blink. Expect speed, scoring, and Alabama to outlast BYU in a shootout.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
