Borzello's prediction: BYU 94-92
Medcalf's prediction: BYU 96-93
Lunardi's prediction: Alabama 85-80

Why BYU will win: It's all about momentum. The Cougars have been one of the four best teams in college basketball over the past five weeks, ranking fourth nationally in adjusted efficiency margin and second in offense. They've lost just once in 12 games — on a neutral court against Houston. Kevin Young has this team playing at an incredibly high level, and forward Richie Saunders has developed into a bona fide go-to guy, averaging 19.3 points and shooting 43.5% from 3 in his previous 11 games. Saunders put up 25 points against Wisconsin, which had no answer for him. Alabama is a different test, one with much more length and athleticism, but the Crimson Tide also can be vulnerable defensively. BYU just might be able to outscore the Tide if their 3s aren't falling. — Jeff Borzello

Why Alabama will win: It's not like Alabama staggered to the finish line of the regular season. The Crimson Tide have lost three times in the past five weeks, but two of those defeats were to Florida, and the other came by a bucket at Tennessee. Along the way, they won at Auburn and put up the highest point total that Saint Mary's has allowed in more than three years. This Alabama team is loaded on the perimeter and especially around the rim, and it is guided by fifth-year guard Mark Sears, who gets himself and his bigs to the basket seemingly at will. Alabama has more weapons and deep, recent tournament experience that is hard to match. I like the Tide in the Sweet 16's best matchup, which also will be no low-scoring affair. — Joe Lunardi

Player to watch: Egor Demin. The best NBA prospect on the floor on Thursday, Demin needs to play like it for BYU to upset Alabama. His size and vision enable him to pick apart defenses, especially if opponents give him time and space to operate in ball screens. His eight assists and one turnover against Wisconsin are Exhibit A. But Demin can struggle when pressured, like he did against Houston and Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament. It will be interesting to see whom Nate Oats picks to guard him. — Borzello