The No. 14 Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-0) and the No. 25 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0) battle at Barclays Center. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 25, 2017.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Odds Preview
The last time the Crimson Tide played, they beat the BYU Cougars, 71-59. With 14 points and nine rebounds, Donta Hall put together a good outing for Alabama. Alabama dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.536 (below their season average of 0.641) and a free throw rate of 0.218 (matching their season average). BYU recorded marks of 0.407 and 0.186, respectively, for those same stats.
The Golden Gophers will look to keep it rolling after dismantling the Massachusetts Minutemen in their last contest, 69-51. Minnesota was lifted by Jordan Murphy, who led the team in scoring with 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Minnesota played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.127 (below their season average of 0.263) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.1 (below their season average of 38.4). Massachusetts had marks of 0.062 and 15.9, respectively, for those same stats.
Points could be at a premium in this meeting between a pair of the nations best defenses. Dating back to last season, Minnesota ranks 30th in defensive efficiency (96.3) and Alabama is 16th (95.1).
Of Alabamas 2 games with betting action, one have finished over the O/U total, while 4 of Minnesotas 4 games have finished over the projected point total. Both teams have outstanding straight up (SU) records (5-0 for Alabama; 6-0 for Minnesota), but the Golden Gophers have the advantage against the spread (ATS). Minnesota is 3-1 ATS, while the Crimson Tide are 2-1.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Alabama, ATS Winner – Alabama, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Crimson Tide rank 48th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Golden Gophers rank 165th (3.5).
- Alabama averages 38.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 33rd in the nation. Minnesota ranks 286th in rebounds allowed per game (38.1).
- The Golden Gophers rank 45th in assists per game (15.7) while the Crimson Tide rank 249th (12.1).
- Alabama ranks 31st in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while Minnesota ranks 157th (21.2).
