Clemson vs. Alabama Prediction: Can Joe Girard, Tigers Pull Another Upset Against Crimson Tide?
Clemson vs. Alabama Prediction: Can Joe Girard, Tigers Pull Another Upset Against Crimson Tide?
Who had Clemson and Alabama facing off in the Elite Eight in their bracket? I certainly didn’t, but I’m not exactly surprised to see these two teams peaking at the right time. Clemson was highly regarded in the preseason, and Alabama has been to three Sweet 16's in the last four years. With Alabama and Clemson playing their best basketball of the season, which team has an edge on Saturday night?
Clemson vs. Alabama DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: March 30, 2024
- Start Time: 8:49 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Clemson vs. Alabama ODDS
- Spread: Clemson +3.5 (-108), Alabama -3.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 164.5 (-110), U 164.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Clemson (+135), Alabama (-160)
Clemson vs. Alabama Prediction
If Clemson wants to win this game, they are going to have to rely heavily on three key players. PJ Hall and Ian Schieffelin have to be effective down low against Alabama’s poor interior defense, and Joe Girard has to produce from the perimeter. Grant Nelson and the Tide have played much better defense in the NCAA Tournament compared to the regular season, but there’s no doubt that Clemson’s bigs have an advantage down-low on Saturday.
Joe Girard hasn’t been effective for Clemson so far in this tournament, but that’s because he’s been matched up against much bigger guards. He wasn’t able to hang with New Mexico or Arizona’s physical backcourts. Tonight, he will most likely get matched up with Mark Sears, Alabama’s best scorer. Defensively, Sears could be a liability tonight if Girard is able to get open from deep off screens. Expect Girard to be much more productive tonight against Alabama than in recent games, keeping Clemson alive in this contest.
Alabama has one of the best offenses we’ve seen in recent college basketball history, but that doesn’t mean they are championship bound. Their defense has let them down all season, but they’ve been able to outscore their opponents up to this point. They might be playing a #6 seed, but Clemson is playing like one of the best teams in the country right now. If they are able to get out to another quick start like they have been all tournament, I don’t see how they don’t keep this game within a possession tonight.
Clemson runs at a much slower pace than their opponent tonight, which could end up benefitting them. If Girard and Hunter are able to slow this game down, Alabama won’t be able to get out and run in transition. The Tide want it to feel like an NBA game, but that’s not on Clemson’s agenda. I feel comfortable betting on their veterans to control the tempo and slow this game down.
Don’t let your opinions of Clemson during the regular season cloud your judgment tonight. The Tigers are finally playing like the elite team we thought they’d be all year. At this point, it feels like Clemson is a team of destiny to make the Final Four. Fade the Tide and back Clemson to not only cover, but win their fourth straight NCAA Tournament game in a row. Keep the points; we won’t be needing them tonight.
Clemson vs. Alabama Pick
Pick: CLEM ML (+134) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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Article Author
Krabs is a contrarian bettor who isn’t afraid to fade the public or go against the grain. His betting style not only produces winners but has changed the way many think about the sports betting process. You’ll find Krabs betting on anything from the NFL (at a 60% clip in 2022) to the KBO (8-1-1 in 2022). You won’t find many handicappers with more college basketball knowledge or insight than Krabs. A native of the “DMV,” you can find his work @Krabs_Bets on Twitter, or on Behind the Lines, his daily sports betting show on twitch.