By Loveth 
BYU basketball is gearing up for a big-time matchup against Alabama in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The game is set for Thursday night in Newark, New Jersey, and it’s shaping up to be an offensive showdown.
Alabama’s offense is no joke—they’re the highest-scoring team in the country, averaging nearly 91 points per game. They’ve already taken down Robert Morris and Saint Mary’s to get here, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Alabama’s Basketball Revolution Under Nate Oats
Nate Oats has completely changed the way people see Alabama basketball. It’s no longer just a filler sport before football season—the Crimson Tide is now a serious contender on the national stage. Under Oats, Alabama has made it to the second weekend of March Madness three years in a row and even reached the Final Four last year before falling to UConn.
A Familiar Face for Oats
Oats is actually pretty familiar with BYU’s coach, Kevin Young. The two crossed paths when Young was an assistant with the Phoenix Suns, and Oats has kept an eye on his career ever since. He had high praise for Young’s coaching, saying BYU runs great offensive sets and has shooters all over the place.
However, Oats isn’t sure if he’s happy about facing a team that plays a similar up-tempo style to Alabama. “I don’t think anyone is saying it’s refreshing to play Alabama,” he joked, referencing his team’s high-powered offense.
Battle of the Offenses
This game is set to be an all-out scoring fest. Alabama might be explosive on offense, but their defense is another story—they allow 81 points per game. BYU isn’t perfect defensively either, giving up about 71 points per game. The Cougars barely escaped their last game against Wisconsin, allowing 89 points but pulling out a two-point win.
The Crimson Tide enters this game with a 26-9 record, while BYU is looking to make its first Elite Eight appearance in over a decade. With two high-scoring teams going at it, this one could be a thriller.
Game Details
Matchup: BYU vs. Alabama – NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Tip-Off: 5:09 p.m. MDT / 7:09 p.m. EDT
TV: CBS
Radio: KSL NewsRadio
This is a game you won’t want to miss!