Alabama sets new NCAA Tournament record, secures Elite 8 matchup with Duke
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A high-scoring game was expected between Alabama and BYU during Thursday’s Sweet 16 game in Newark but nobody could’ve seen the Crimson Tide’s record-breaking performance coming.
After leading the tournament in points in the paint in the first two rounds, Alabama relied on its 3-point shooting to take down the Cougars. The Crimson Tide made 25 3-pointers as a team, running away with a 113-88 victory.
Some of the records set on the night included:
- Most 3-pointers made + attempted by a team in a men’s NCAA Tournament game
- Most 3-pointers made by Alabama in program history
- Most 3-pointers ever by an SEC men’s team
Five different Crimson Tide players made at least one 3-pointer with Mark Sears knocking down a career-high 10 shots from beyond the arc. Chris Youngblood made five while Aden Holloway came off the bench + made 6-of-13 from deep.
Loyola Marymount held the previous record of 21 3-pointers in an NCAA Tournament game—a record Alabama broke with more than 7 minutes to go in the game. The Crimson Tide made 12 3-pointers in the first half then topped that in the second half by making 13 in the final 20 minutes.
“It’s nice to beat that record… I do believe that the record for 3s made in a game (regular season or postseason) is held by Troy out of Alabama with 28. We weren’t getting to 28 tonight but 25’s not bad.”
Nate Oats, Alabama coach
Alabama vs. Duke
After three games in the NCAA Tournament, Alabama has an average margin of victory of 16 points per game. The Crimson Tide has seen that margin grow each round.
But Saturday will bring the toughest test of the tournament so far with top-seed Duke awaiting in the Elite 8. Here’s what you need to know:
- What: No. 1 Duke Blue Devils (34-3) vs. No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (28-8) | East Region Final
- When: 7:49PM | Saturday, March 29
- Where: Prudential Center | Newark, NJ
- Watch: TBS/truTV
Duke has won 22 of its last 23 games, only losing a road game to Clemson since the turn of the new year. The Blue Devils are led by freshman Cooper Flagg who will likely be the first overall pick in this summer’s NBA Draft.
Alabama is 1-8 all-time against Duke with its lone victory coming in 1930.
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