The Arkansas Razorbacks (15-15, 6-11 SEC) head to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide (20-10, 12-5 SEC). This is the final game of the regular season before conference tournaments start. This is the first matchup between these two teams. Both feature blistering offenses but lackluster defenses that could lead to fireworks in the day’s first game.
Can the Razorbacks keep pace with the Crimson Tide on their home court?
Arkansas vs. Alabama Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Arkansas | +14.5
-112 |
O 173.5
-105 |
+650 |
| Alabama | -14.5
-108 |
U 173.5
-115 |
-1000 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Arkansas vs. Alabama Game Details
- Fixture: Arkansas @ Alabama
- Date and Time: March 9, 2024 @ 12:00 pm EST
- Location: Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Arkansas |
vs. |
Alabama |
| 15-15 | Record | 20-10 |
| 77.4 | Points Per Game | 90.8 |
| 45.1 | FG% | 47.9 |
| 32.3 | 3PT% | 37.1 |
| 34.6 | Rebounds Per Game | 39.6 |
| 79.2 | Points Allowed Per Game | 80.1 |
| 44.1 | Defensive FG% | 43.8 |
| 34.3 | Defensive 3PT% | 32.1 |
| 73.5 | Defensive FT% | 73.2 |
| 36.3 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 34.9 |
| 3-2 | Last 5 W-L | 2-3 |
Key Stats
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks have one of the highest-scoring offenses in the SEC. However, they gave up the second-most part of the conference. When shots are falling, the team can keep pace with anyone. When they are not, they struggle to keep up. The good news is that the Crimson Tide has the worst defense in the conference, giving up over 80 points per game.
Tramon Mark should have a big game and watch out for Khalif Battle. In the past ten games, he is averaging 1.6 made three-pointers per game. This will be a matchup where he can get plenty of good looks. If his shot is falling, he could have a career day.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide have been slipping lately. Despite Mark Sears scoring 33 points against Florida, they still lost by 18. The story for Alabama has been the same all year. Their offense is elite. They are first in points per game in the entire nation. Defense is where they are lacking. Giving up over 80 points a game is not a great winning formula.
In this matchup, they get a boost from playing a weak Arkansas defense. Rylan Griffin could get many open looks, and he has averaged 2.5 made three-pointers in the last ten games. Sears should also get plenty of opportunities to score.
Game Prediction
Expect a ton of points in this matchup. This has the potential to be a track meet on a basketball court. Each team has elite scorers and shooters. Vegas really doesn’t want you to take the over. 173.5 is crazy for a college basketball game. Still, these are two bad defensive teams, and the crazy number doesn’t scare me.
From a spread standpoint, 14.5 is another high number. The Razorbacks haven’t been playing ranked opponents, but the most points they have lost in the last five games is 11. Alabama is 16-13-1 against the spread this year but their recent performances don’t give me confidence they are going to command this game. The Crimson Tide should win but look for Arkansas to stick around and keep it mildly close.
Final Pick
Arkansas Razorback +14.5 and Over 173.5
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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