BYU Cougars vs Alabama Crimson Tide Pick – 3/27/2025

The NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 brings an electrifying matchup between the No. 6 seed BYU Cougars and the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide. Scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 7:09 PM Eastern Time at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, this game promises a high-scoring affair between two of the nation's most potent offenses.

BYU Cougars vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Game Preview

Both teams have showcased impressive offensive capabilities throughout the season. Alabama leads Division I with an average of 90.8 points per game, marking the 19th time this season they've scored at least 90 points. BYU, while slightly behind, maintains a strong offensive presence, ranking ninth in offensive efficiency according to KenPom. The Cougars have demonstrated their scoring prowess with notable victories, including a 96-92 win over Iowa State and a 96-95 triumph over Arizona.

Defensively, BYU boasts a rebound margin of plus-6.2, ranking 19th nationally, while Alabama is close behind with a plus-6.1 margin, placing them 20th. This suggests a closely contested battle on the boards, which could be pivotal in determining the game's outcome.

Key players to watch include Alabama's Mark Sears, who leads the team with an average of 18.6 points per game and was a consensus first-team All-American this year. For BYU, Richie Saunders has been a standout, earning the Big 12's Most Improved Player award and securing a spot on the All-Big 12 first team. Saunders has been particularly impressive in the tournament, scoring 25 points in the Cougars' recent win against Wisconsin.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Alabama is favored by 5.5 points, with the total set at 176 points. These figures reflect expectations of a high-scoring game, given both teams' offensive strengths. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• Offensive Tempo: Alabama plays at the fastest adjusted tempo in college basketball, which could lead to a higher-scoring game.
• Recent Performance: BYU is 11-1 straight up and 10-2 against the spread over its last 12 games, indicating strong form heading into this matchup.
• Common Opponents: Both teams have faced Houston and Ole Miss this season. BYU suffered two losses to Houston and an overtime loss to Ole Miss, while Alabama defeated Houston in overtime and lost to Ole Miss by 10 points.

BYU Cougars vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction

Considering the statistical edges and recent performances, Alabama appears to have a slight advantage. Their high-paced offense, combined with a challenging schedule that has prepared them for high-stakes games, positions them favorably. However, BYU's resilience and recent form cannot be overlooked.

Given these factors, the prediction leans towards Alabama securing the win, covering the spread, and the total points likely exceeding the set line, resulting in a high-scoring contest.