Connecticut (35-3) vs Alabama (25-11)
April 6, 2024 at 08:49 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Connecticut -11.5 / Alabama +11.5 — Over/Under: 160.5
In this article we will formulate an Alabama vs UConn betting prediction for this NCAA Tournament college basketball game on Saturday, April 6th at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:
- The Alabama recent form and recent player performance
- The UConn recent form and recent play performance
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Alabama
- Recent Betting trends and streaks involving UConn
- Recent betting trends in games played between Alabama and UConn
- A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between Alabama and UConn
Alabama Preview
The Alabama Crimson Tide are 25-11 (13-5) this season after they defeated Clemson by a score of 89-82 in the Elite Eight. Alabama led 35-32 at halftime and they scored 54 points in the second half in the win. The Crimson Tide shot 46.8% from the field and made 16 three pointers in the game. Alabama defeated North Carolina, Grand Canyon, and Charleston in their first three games of the tourney. The Crimson Tide are scoring 90.6 points per game with 39.9 rebounds per game and 16.1 assists per game, while allowing 81.1 points against per game this season. Mark Sears is averaging 21.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game. Alabama is shooting 47.7% from the field, 78.4% on free throws, and 36.5% on three pointers this year.
UConn Preview
The UConn Huskies are 35-3 (18-2) this year after they defeated Illinois by a score of 77-52 in their last game. UConn was tied at 23 with a couple of minutes left in the first half, but they used a 30-0 run to pull away for the easy win. The Huskies shot 51.7% from the field and were +9 in rebounding margin in the game. UConn defeated San Diego State, Northwestern, and Stetson in their first three games. The Huskies are scoring 81.4 points per game with 39 rebounds per game and 18.7 assists per game, while giving up 63.3 points against per game this year. Tristen Newton is averaging 15 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 6.1 assists per game. UConn is shooting 49.6% from the field, 74.2% on free throws, and 36.7% on three pointers this season.
Connecticut Huskies Team Facts
- Connecticut has won each of its last 17 games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues.
- Each of Connecticut’s last 14 NCAA Tournament night games have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.
- Connecticut has won the first half in each of its last 13 games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues.
Alabama Crimson Tide Team Facts
- Alabama has lost eight of its last nine games against the Big East Conference.
- Fifteen of Alabama’s last 17 games have produced a total of 161+ points.
- Alabama has won the first half in each of its last six Saturday games played at neutral venues.
Matchup/League Facts
- Connecticut ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for points per possession this season (1.24).
- Connecticut ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+17.2).
- Alabama ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (109.1).
- Alabama ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for points per possession this season (1.23).
Alabama vs UConn Betting Prediction
I think most people expected UConn to make the Final Four this year, but Alabama was not supposed to be here and they will look to continue their run with an upset win here. The Crimson Tide are one of the highest scoring teams in the country and they scored 89 points in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. The downside of the pace they play with is the lack of defense they have shown for most of the season. If Alabama wants to stay in this game, they need to really focus on their defensive play. UConn has dominated the first four games of the tournament and they have held three of their four opponents to just 52 points, but this will be a great test for their defense. UConn is absolutely rolling right now, but I think Alabama’s offensive attack gives them a chance in this game. Give me the Crimson Tide with the points. The winner of this game will meet Purdue or NC State in the Championship game.