Alabama breaks NCAA Tournament shooting records in Sweet 16 victory against BYU.

The 2025 NCAA Tournament has been filled with incredible moments, from buzzer-beaters to last-second heroics. But in the Sweet 16, one of the most astounding performances in recent memory came from the Alabama Crimson Tide, who obliterated shooting records en route to a thrilling 98-72 victory over the BYU Cougars. This game not only solidified Alabama’s status as a championship contender but also etched their name in the annals of March Madness history for their jaw-dropping shooting display.

The Build-Up: High Expectations for Alabama’s Offensive Prowess

Coming into the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Alabama was one of the most dangerous teams in the field, thanks to their explosive offense and suffocating defense. Under the leadership of head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide had built a reputation as one of the top teams in the country, ranked highly for both offensive efficiency and defensive metrics. With the likes of standout guard Jahvon Quinerly, versatile forward Brandon Miller, and a talented supporting cast, Alabama seemed poised for a deep run.

BYU, on the other hand, was a team that had exceeded expectations, relying on disciplined play, solid defense, and a sharp shooting attack to reach the Sweet 16. Despite being underdogs, the Cougars had proved their mettle with a series of upsets leading up to this game. But the Sweet 16 would prove to be a different challenge, and one that they simply couldn’t handle against the Crimson Tide’s blistering offensive onslaught.

First Half: Alabama Sets the Tone Early

From the moment the ball tipped off, it was clear that Alabama was in a rhythm that few teams could replicate. The Crimson Tide’s first few possessions were marked by fluid ball movement, spacing, and efficient shooting. Within the first five minutes of the game, Alabama had already made 5 of their first 6 shots from the field, including a trio of three-pointers.

The key to their early success was a sharp and fast-paced offense that capitalized on every opportunity. Quinerly, known for his leadership and playmaking ability, was distributing the ball with precision, while Brandon Miller showcased his ability to score in multiple ways. Whether it was hitting pull-up jumpers, attacking the rim, or creating opportunities for his teammates, Miller was a nightmare for BYU’s defense.

By the 10-minute mark, Alabama had already hit 7 three-pointers, tying a tournament record for most made threes in a first half. What made it even more impressive was the efficiency with which they were shooting. The Crimson Tide were shooting over 70% from beyond the arc, which was unheard of for a team at this stage of the tournament, especially against a tough team like BYU.

Meanwhile, BYU struggled to keep pace. Despite their best efforts to contain Alabama’s shooters, the Cougars found themselves overwhelmed by Alabama’s ball movement and shooting accuracy. They had no answers for the Crimson Tide’s quick transitions, and their defense, which had been their strength throughout the tournament, was being shredded apart by Alabama’s offensive precision.

By halftime, Alabama had built a commanding 56-36 lead, with 12 made three-pointers and a shooting percentage of 72% from beyond the arc. They had already broken the record for most three-pointers made in a Sweet 16 game, and the second half promised even more fireworks.

Second Half: The Records Fall

The second half saw no letup in Alabama’s offensive onslaught. As BYU struggled to make adjustments, the Crimson Tide continued to pour in shots from all over the floor. But what stood out was their historic shooting from deep.

Alabama’s shooting performance in the second half wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. Within the first 10 minutes of the second period, the Crimson Tide connected on 8 more three-pointers, pushing their total to 20—another record, this time for most three-pointers made in a single NCAA Tournament game. To put this into perspective, the previous record was 19, and that had stood for decades. Alabama’s performance shattered it with ease.

As the game continued to unfold, the Crimson Tide showed no signs of slowing down. By the midway point of the second half, the lead had ballooned to 30 points, and BYU appeared helpless in trying to mount any kind of comeback. The Cougars tried to rally by tightening their defense and pushing the pace, but each time they made a small dent, Alabama would respond with another three-pointer or a high-percentage shot.

By the 5-minute mark, the Crimson Tide had broken the NCAA Tournament record for most points in a Sweet 16 game, with 88 points on the board. The crowd at the arena was on its feet as Alabama’s players fed off the energy and continued to shoot the lights out. Their lead was now insurmountable, and the game was all but over.

When the final buzzer sounded, Alabama had scored 98 points, an impressive feat in and of itself, but what was even more staggering was the way they had scored those points. The Crimson Tide finished with a record-breaking 24 three-pointers made—more than any team had ever made in a single NCAA Tournament game. They had shot 78% from beyond the arc, a statistic that was nearly impossible to comprehend in a tournament setting.

Key Players: Jahvon Quinerly and Brandon Miller Lead the Charge

No performance in this game was more notable than that of senior guard Jahvon Quinerly. Quinerly, who had been the team’s leader all season, turned in a masterclass of playmaking and scoring. He finished the game with 22 points and 11 assists, orchestrating Alabama’s offense with pinpoint passes and smooth transitions. His ability to get the ball to the open man was a big reason why the Crimson Tide’s shooters were able to get clean looks throughout the game.

Brandon Miller, the talented freshman forward, was a scoring machine. Miller finished with 27 points, many of which came from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor, create his own shot, and hit clutch threes kept BYU’s defense on edge all game. His versatility and scoring ability were on full display, making him one of the brightest stars in the tournament.

While Quinerly and Miller were the primary contributors, Alabama’s supporting cast was crucial to their success. Guards Noah Clowney and Mark Sears each hit multiple three-pointers, adding to the overall scoring output. Alabama’s depth was truly on display as nearly every player on the roster contributed to the record-breaking performance.

BYU’s Struggles and the Impact of Alabama’s Defense

BYU, for their part, did everything they could to keep the game competitive. The Cougars relied on their sharpshooters, including Alex Barcello, who finished with 18 points, and forward Caleb Lohner, who added 16. However, Alabama’s defense proved to be just as effective as their offense. Despite the Cougars’ best efforts to find open shots, Alabama’s defense closed out quickly on shooters, blocked shots, and made it difficult for BYU to get any easy looks.

By the time BYU found some rhythm, Alabama had already established an insurmountable lead. The Cougars, who had been one of the more balanced teams in the tournament, found themselves overwhelmed by the Crimson Tide’s relentless offensive firepower. BYU’s defense, which had been a staple of their success, simply couldn’t keep up with Alabama’s blistering pace.

A Record-Breaking Night for the Crimson Tide

Alabama’s 98-72 victory over BYU will be remembered not only for the lopsided scoreline but also for the way in which they played the game. Their performance broke numerous records, including:

• Most Three-Pointers Made in a Single NCAA Tournament Game: 24 (previous record: 19).
• Highest Shooting Percentage from Three in an NCAA Tournament Game: 78%.
• Most Points Scored in a Sweet 16 Game: 98.

These records underscored the Crimson Tide’s dominance in the game and solidified their place as one of the most potent offensive teams in NCAA Tournament history. Alabama’s ability to break shooting records in such an important stage only elevated their status as a national title contender, and they sent a strong message to the rest of the field that they were not to be underestimated.

Looking Ahead: A National Championship Run on the Horizon?

As Alabama prepares for their Elite Eight matchup, their performance in the Sweet 16 has turned the spotlight on them as a team to watch in the remainder of the tournament. With the shooting touch they displayed against BYU, coupled with their strong defensive play, the Crimson Tide have the tools to make a deep run. If they can maintain their shooting efficiency and continue to play with the intensity and discipline they showed in this game, Alabama will be a formidable opponent for anyone in the tournament.

For now, the Crimson Tide’s 98-72 victory against BYU will be remembered as one of the most impressive performances in NCAA Tournament history, a game that will be talked about for years to come. With the record books rewritten and a national championship now within their sights, Alabama is ready to continue their march toward glory.