Charleston vs. Alabama Picks and Predictions – Friday, Mar. 22

Mar 21, 2024; Spokane, WA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) during practice at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
Image Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Charleston Cougars vs. Alabama Crimson Tide prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Charleston Cougars hit the road to face the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Alabama Crimson Tide (21-11) are set to face off against the Charleston Cougars (27-7) in a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament matchup. With Alabama looking to leverage their high-scoring offense and Charleston aiming to continue their impressive win streak, this game promises to be a clash of titans.

Charleston Cougars vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Odds Info

Moneyline: Charleston Cougars +375 (BetMGM) / Alabama Crimson Tide -500 (BetMGM)

Spread: -9.5 – Charleston Cougars -110 (BetMGM) / Alabama Crimson Tide -110 (BetMGM)

Total: 172.5 – -105 (Barstool) / -110 (Ceasars)

Game Info

Date: Friday, Mar. 22

Time: 06:35 PM

Location: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena – None, None

TV: truTV

Charleston Cougars Betting Trends

  • On the road, Charleston Cougars are 9 and 2 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Charleston Cougars are 15 and 18.
  • Against the spread on the road, Charleston Cougars are 7 and 9.

Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Trends

  • At home, Alabama Crimson Tide are 14 and 2 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Alabama Crimson Tide are 17 and 14.
  • Against the spread at home, Alabama Crimson Tide are 12 and 6.

Charleston Cougars vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Predictions

The NCAA Tournament is where heroes are made, and Friday’s matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Charleston Cougars could be the stage for such heroics. Alabama, with a strong 21-11 record, enters the game after a tough stretch, losing three of their last four games. Despite this, they boast the second-highest scoring offense in the nation, led by guard Mark Sears who averages 21.1 points per game. The Crimson Tide’s ability to light up the scoreboard will be crucial as they face a Charleston team that has won 27 games this season, including their last outing.

Charleston, on the other hand, has been on a roll, winning their last game and boasting a 27-7 record. Guard Reyne Smith, averaging 12.8 points per game, and forward Ante Brzovic, leading the team with 6.2 rebounds per game, have been instrumental in the Cougars’ success. However, they will be tested against an Alabama team that has shown it can score from anywhere on the court, ranking fifth in three-point field goals made. The Cougars’ defense, which has allowed them to out-rebound opponents consistently, will need to step up against Alabama’s high-powered offense.

Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, with Alabama’s offense being a force to reckon with and Charleston’s well-rounded team play and depth giving them an edge. The key matchup to watch will be how Charleston’s defense handles Alabama’s aggressive offensive play. With both teams looking to advance in the tournament, expect a hard-fought game where every possession counts and star players like Sears and Smith look to make their mark on college basketball’s biggest stage.

Charleston Cougars vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Pick

The pick for the Charleston Cougars vs. Alabama Crimson Tide game is ‘Under’. Despite Alabama’s high-scoring offense, the total line is set at a lofty 172.5 points, which is a threshold that even the most prolific offenses can struggle to reach in the pressure-cooker environment of the NCAA Tournament. The Crimson Tide’s recent games have seen them go over the total more often than not, but the intensity of tournament play often tightens defenses and slows the pace. Charleston’s ability to control the tempo and their depth could lead to a more strategic game, focusing on possession and limiting Alabama’s fast-break opportunities. Additionally, Charleston’s defense, which has been effective in rebounding and limiting opponents’ scoring, will be key in disrupting Alabama’s rhythm. The Cougars’ slower pace of play and methodical offense will contribute to fewer possessions and, consequently, fewer scoring opportunities for both teams.

The Pick: Under 172.5 -105 (Barstool)