BYU Cougars vs Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction, Odds and Picks for Tomorrow, 03/27/25

The first game of the Sweet 16 takes us to the East regional in New Jersey for a BYU Cougars vs Alabama Crimson Tide prediction. The Crimson Tide is part of the SEC steamrolling of the tournament, and they got here with wins over Robert Morris and St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s is a slow, defensive-minded team, but the Tide will have to change gears completely when planning for BYU. The Cougars dispatched VCU in the opening round before outgunning Wisconsin in round two, 91-89. These two teams are probably going to blow out the lights on the scoreboard, so expect plenty of points. My BYU vs Alabama prediction though is for the Tide to ultimately win and cover.

Alabama plays at the fastest tempo in the country. The Nate Oates method of basketball is straightforward—do something fast, and operate in volume. The Tide will shoot 3s or layups, and little else. They also pressure the ball defensively and get a lot of transition looks. BYU shares some similarities. The Cougs do not play as fast, but they are one of the most prolific 3-pt shooting teams in the nation. You know the modern basketball axiom: 3 points are worth more than 2 points, and both teams like to prove it true. Here’s the decisive factor for me though. The Tide defend the arc at an elite level. They chase teams off the line, and they make those outside looks tough. I think that is the difference in the game. If BYU has a downturn in their ability to hit 3s, as I expect they will, Alabama should eventually pull away. I like the Tide to win and cover.

BYU vs Alabama prediction: Alabama -5.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out Bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Join Bet365 right now ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ BYU vs Alabama predictions.