Number 2 Alabama has advanced to the Elite Eight for the second straight season with a 113-88 win over No. 6 seed BYU in record-setting fashion.
The Sweet 16 matchup between two offensive powerhouses was as advertised. The two teams scored a combined 201 points, with Alabama having a record-setting shooting night from behind the arc.
Here are a few takeaways from the game.
Lights Out From Three
It was a record-setting night from behind the arc for the Crimson Tide. Alabama hit an NCAA Tournament record 25 three-pointers. The Crimson Tide came out of the gate at a blistering pace, finishing with 12 made threes in the first 20 minutes. Mark Sears led the way with 10 made threes, one shy of an NCAA Tournament record.
Spectacular Night for Sears
Coming into the game, all the talk was about Mark Sears slumping from behind the arc. Sears shut down all the talks with a stellar first half. Sears went 5-for-7 from behind the arc and finished with 17 first-half points. Sears had an equally impressive second half, going 5-for-9 from three and 17 more points. Sears finished with a game-high 34 points and 10 made threes.
Holloway Big Off Bench
Lost in the shadow of Sears was Aden Holloway’s huge night. Holloway came off the bench and contributed 23 points. Like Sears, Holloway also lit it up from behind the arc, sinking six of his 13 three-point attempts. Anytime BYU started to try and make a comeback, Holloway had an answer to prevent a BYU run from starting.
Clifford Continues to Thrive
Alabama brought in Clifford Omoruyi mainly for defense, but his offensive play has shined in the NCAA Tournament. For a fourth straight game and third straight in the NCAA Tournament, the Rutgers transfer scored in double figures. Omoruyi was a big presence in the paint, scoring 10 points and pulling down six rebounds. Another positive from Omoruyi has been his free-throw shooting, where he went a perfect 6-of-6 from the line.
Alabama will take on the winner of No. 1 seed Duke and No. 4 seed Arizona on Saturday in the Elite Eight in Newark, NJ.
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