In an electrifying showdown in Newark, N.J., Alabama's head coach Nate Oats confidently predicted that Mark Sears' recent shooting slump would not last. After a stunning performance where Sears scored 34 points, including 10 three-pointers, Oats’ foresight proved accurate. “Listen, I’ve got to teach these guys some math,” Oats remarked to reporters following Alabama's impressive 113-88 victory over BYU in the Sweet 16. “I told Sears there’s a thing called regression to the mean. His last six games he was shooting 14%, 5 of 35. He’s not a 14% shooter, obviously.”
Oats noted that BYU had been consistently going under ball screens in their defensive strategies. “I told both those guys, (Aden) Holloway and Sears, ‘Man, I hope they go under us because we’re going to rain them,’” he explained. Sears showcased his shooting prowess, achieving an impressive 63% shooting percentage. He made history as the first player in NCAA Tournament history to record at least eight three-pointers and seven assists in a single game.
To overpower BYU, Oats unleashed a remarkable offensive strategy, with Alabama attempting an astounding 51 three-pointers compared to just 15 two-point shots. This aggressive approach led to an NCAA Tournament record, as the Crimson Tide netted 25 three-pointers against the Cougars. Sears, Holloway, and Chris Youngblood combined to score 21 of these treys, effectively capitalizing on BYU's defensive weaknesses.
“With BYU’s personnel, we knew that once they started going under (ball screens), they always collapse. They kind of have to,” Oats said. He acknowledged that BYU had previously succeeded against teams that lacked the spacing Alabama employed. “But I told these guys going in, if you move the ball, our offense is designed to beat a defense like this,” he added, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in their successful offensive execution.
In addition to their offensive success, Alabama’s defense played a crucial role in the victory. The team effectively limited BYU to a dismal 6 of 30 shooting from beyond the arc. Oats explained, “Our defense is designed not to give up 3s. Sometimes we do a good job of it, sometimes we don’t. But we try to guard all the pick-and-rolls with just two guys ... but we don’t want to give up 3s.” Although he acknowledged that there is room for improvement, Oats was pleased with the overall defensive performance.
With this decisive win, Alabama has advanced to the Elite Eight and continues its quest for a second consecutive Final Four appearance. “So proud of our guys. We’re in the Elite 8 for the third time in school history and back-to-back (years),” Oats shared. He praised the contributions of players like Sears and Labaron Philon, who also played a significant role in the game, finishing with six assists and hitting 2 of 3 from the field.
As Alabama prepares for the Elite Eight, Oats is aware that replicating the 51 three-point attempts may not be feasible. However, he remains optimistic, stating, “We’re going to have the guys ready to play the right way in my opinion and fresh. And if we get stops, it’s a lot easier to get out in transition.” With their sights set on success, Alabama is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in their NCAA Tournament journey.
