Jay Bilas reacts to record-setting Alabama performance, blowout win vs. BYU in NCAA Tournament
Alabama‘s 113 points against BYU on Thursday were the most ever by a program in a Sweet 16 game. The Crimson Tide were aided by a whopping 25-made 3-point baskets as they cruised to a 25-point victory over the Cougars.
As the Crimson Tide turn its attention toward the Elite Eight, ESPN’s Jay Bilas took to social media to post his reaction to the shooting barrage showcased by Alabama to kick off March Madness’ second weekend. He was blown away by what Nate Oats’ squad was able to do this deep in the tournament.
“I mean, holy cow,” Bilas began. “25 three’s, 113 points. There was seven minutes left to go in the game against BYU. I was thinking BYU has got 79 points. I mean, that’s a lot of points. Now, Alabama had 100. It was unreal. … I mean, 25 three’s in a 40-minute game is outrageous.”
The Crimson Tide were led by the 34-point performance of senior guard Mark Sears. His 10-made 3-pointers, along eight assists, ended a cold streak for him during the NCAA Tournament. Sears was 1 for 9 from deep in Alabama’s two previous March Madness matchups. However, Bilas pointed out that the streak dates back farther than just last weekend.
“As effective as Sears has been last five games or so, he hasn’t shot it as well as he’s capable of shooting it,” Bilas continued. “Over that period, he was 5 for 35 from three, still doing great things on the floor, but just not shooting the three very well. And then against BYU, I mean, he makes 10.”
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Sometimes players just have to see it go in. For Sears, it went in over, and over and over again. So, with that streak snapped for Sears, he can move forward to the Crimson Tide’s matchup in the Elite Eight with a clear conscience.
For Alabama, they’ll take on either No. 1 seed Duke or No. 4 seed Arizona with a trip to the Final Four on the line. The Crimson Tide are vying for a consecutive Final Four appearances for the first time in school history, and are one victory away from achieving that feat.
“Alabama is playing great, and they actually defended really well,” Bilas concluded. “That was unreal. What a performance by Alabama, and that’s got to put a little bit of trepidation into the other teams that are still in it.”