Set for Thursday, March 27, at Prudential Center in Newark, this East Region showdown features two of the tournament’s most efficient offenses and enough scoring potential to keep the scoreboard operator busy all night.

BYU Cougars vs. Alabama NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting

Alabama opened as a 4.5-point favourite, with the total set at 174.5. Oddsmakers clearly expect a track meet, and there’s no reason to think otherwise. The Crimson Tide play with the fastest tempo in the country, and BYU isn’t far behind in terms of pace and offensive firepower. Both teams are among the most efficient scoring units left in the tournament, and neither is known for shutting opponents down.

Alabama’s edge comes at the rim. They love to attack downhill, and BYU doesn’t have a true interior enforcer to turn them away. If the Tide can live in the paint and generate kick-out threes, they’ll be in control. BYU, on the other hand, moves the ball beautifully and has shooters at nearly every position. Their perimeter offense could cause problems for an Alabama defense that has given up 80-plus in seven of its last ten games. The team that does a better job of limiting clean looks from deep—and stays out of foul trouble inside—will have the upper hand.

Best Bets: BYU +4.5 looks like a strong value play given how evenly matched these teams are on offense. The Cougars have shown they can keep pace with elite teams. The over 174.5 is also appealing—neither side is likely to slow things down, and with two top-tier scoring units, a shootout feels inevitable.

Brigham Young Cougars

BYU’s 91–89 win over Wisconsin in the Round of 32 was one of the wildest games of the tournament so far. The Cougars shot 48.4% from the field, 37.5% from three, and hit 15 of 16 free throws. Richie Saunders led the way with 25 points, and every BYU starter reached double figures. Their offense is efficient, deep, and dangerous when they’re moving the ball. The concern is on the other end—BYU gave up 89 points and struggled to get stops late, something that can’t happen against a team like Alabama.

Alabama Crimson Tide

If there’s a team built for shootouts, it’s Alabama. The Tide rank No. 1 in the nation in adjusted tempo and top-10 in offensive efficiency, leaning on their ability to create open threes and score in transition. Mark Sears has led the way all season, and Alabama’s depth continues to be a strength. The defense, though, is a different story. Alabama has given up 80 or more in seven of their last ten games, including 81 to Saint Mary’s in the second round. They win by outrunning teams—not by locking them down.

Sweet 16 Prediction: Who Will Win BYU vs. Alabama?

COUGARS

Away

83

CRIMSON TIDE

Home

88

Score
Predictions

Matchup