The NCAA March Madness logo is pictured on the basketball court at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
For BYU: Defeated Wisconsin 91-89; won 11 of its past 12 games; 8-7 in Quad 1 opportunities; No. 25 in NET and No. 24 in KenPom; No. 9 nationally in offensive efficiency (124.2).
For Alabama: Defeated Saint Mary’s 80-66;advanced to SEC tournament semifinal; 11-8 in Quad 1 opportunities; No. 6 in NET and No. 6 in KenPom; No. 4 nationally in offensive efficiency (126.7).
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Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3), forward Richie Saunders (15) and guard Trevin Knell (21) laugh during a press conference about BYU’s upcoming NCAA Sweet 16 basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) speaks during a press conference about BYU’s upcoming NCAA Sweet 16 basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars guard Trevin Knell (21) speaks during a press conference about BYU’s upcoming NCAA Sweet 16 basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) speaks during a press conference about BYU’s upcoming NCAA Sweet 16 basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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BYU head basketball coach Kevin Young speaks during a press conference about BYU’s upcoming NCAA Sweet 16 basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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BYU head basketball coach Kevin Young speaks during a press conference about BYU’s upcoming NCAA Sweet 16 basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars forward Richie Saunders (15) speaks during a press conference about BYU’s upcoming NCAA Sweet 16 basketball game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
The stakes
For BYU: Now in the Sweet 16 for the third time in program history, a win over Alabama would put the Cougars in the Elite Eight for the first time since the days of Danny Ainge in 1981.
For Alabama: Head coach Nate Oats is 10-4 in the NCAA Tournament with the Crimson Tide, with the team looking to win its way out of Newark to reach a second consecutive Final Four.
Players to watch
For BYU: First Team All-Big 12 selection Richie Saunders and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection Egor Demin.
For Alabama: First Team All-SEC selection Mark Sears and career 1,800-point scorer, 1,000-rebound man Grant Nelson.
Pregame prep
Here are some stories to get you ready for the Sweet 16 matchup between BYU and Alabama.
