NEWARK, N.J. — The Alabama Crimson Tide rewrote March Madness history Thursday night, pouring in a staggering 25 three-pointers in a commanding 113‑88 victory over BYU in the Sweet 16. That remarkable performance shattered a 35-year-old NCAA Tournament record and propelled Alabama into its second straight Elite Eight, a first in program history .
Led by superstar Mark Sears, Alabama’s offense was unstoppable. Sears erupted for 34 points, hitting 10-of-16 shots from beyond the arc—just one three behind the NCAA single‑game mark—and added 8 assists, becoming the first player in tournament history to combine double-digit threes with that many assists . His record-breaking 22nd three-pointer came with over seven minutes remaining, triggering a standing ovation from Alabama fans as he wrapped his night with more than four minutes to spare .
Contributions weren’t limited to Sears. Aden Holloway came off the bench to score 23 points, draining 6-of-13 threes, while Chris Youngblood added 19 points on 5-of-11 long-range shooting. Together, the trio accounted for 21 of Alabama’s 25 threes, helping the Tide attempt 51 total, which also set a new tournament benchmark .
Under head coach Nate Oats, Alabama executed a high‑octane game plan, spacing the floor and relentlessly attacking deep. The team shot 53% overall, went 25-for-51 from deep (49%), and made 18 of 21 free throws. Remarkably, Alabama attempted just 15 two-point field goals, converting 10 — a testament to their commitment to the long-range shot . Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide’s defense clamped down hard on BYU’s three-point line, holding the Cougars to just 6-of-30 (20%) from deep, even as BYU won the paint battle 50‑16 .
After the game, coach Oats remarked, “That was a fun game if you like offense,” jokingly teaching his team “math” as he explained the concept of regression to the mean, reminding them that Sears’ prior shooting slump wasn’t permanent .
With this historic win, Alabama continues its program-best postseason run. The Tide will face either Duke or Arizona in the Elite Eight this Saturday, one game away from reaching a second consecutive Final Four . If Thursday night was any indication, Alabama’s explosive shooting may yet define its path to the ultimat
