Alabama vs. UConn Prediction: Can Mark Sears, Crimson Tide Surprise Huskies in Final Four?
Alabama vs. UConn Prediction: Can Mark Sears, Crimson Tide Surprise Huskies in Final Four?
Does anyone truly think Alabama can beat this UConn team? The Huskies look ready to defend their 2023 National Championship, with intentions to replicate last year’s success. It won’t be easy for the Huskies, as they will have to beat the best offense in college basketball on Saturday before getting the chance at consecutive National Championships. Will the Huskies hold off the Tide, and more importantly... will they cover the spread?
NC STATE VS. PURDUE DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 6, 2024
- Start Time: 8:49 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: TBS, TNT, TruTV
ALABAMA VS. UCONN ODDS
- Spread: Alabama +11.5 (-110), UConn 11.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 160.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Alabama (+570), UConn (-850)
Alabama vs. UConn Prediction
We knew this Alabama team could score, but did we know they had this defense in them? The Tide have played some inspired defense down the stretch led by Grant Nelson down low. They are going to have to play their best defense of the season if they want to win this game outright, but that doesn’t mean covering the spread is out of the question.
UConn hasn’t been tested much this season or recently. After a dominating National Championship victory, the Huskies only lost three games this year. They’ve covered every game of the tournament so far, currently on an 11-game win streak. If Alabama gets out to a hot start and takes a lead on Saturday, the Huskies will be playing in unfamiliar territory. I couldn’t think of a better team to get out to a hot offensive start than the Tide.
Mark Sears has been on a legacy run in this tournament, dropping 23+ points in three of four games. UConn’s backcourt is going to have their hands full covering both Sears and Estrada, who’s make up one of the best guard duos in the country. This Alabama team can keep up with the Huskies and their overpowered offense; they might be one of the only teams in the country fit to beat them.
Every year, there is a team in March that shows up when we least expected it. The public thinks and wants it to be NC State, and I don’t blame them, but I’m going with the quieter underdog story. People aren’t talking enough about how well this Alabama team is playing. Nate Oates brought his advanced analytics team with him on the road for this tournament and it’s paid dividends. I wouldn’t sleep on the Tide to not only keep this game within the number, but potentially pulling off an upset against UConn if they can limit Clingan down low.
The Tide have played like a 1-seed themselves in this tournament. The spread is disrespectful to how well they’ve played the last two weeks. For the first time this tournament, bet on UConn to fail to cover against Alabama on Saturday. This is simply too many points to give Mark Sears and the Tide.
Alabama vs. UConn Pick
Pick: ALA +11.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
COLLEGE BASKETBALL ODDS
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.