The Alabama Crimson Tide (5-3) will be at home in Coleman Coliseum when they clash with the Arizona Wildcats (7-2). The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 9, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Arizona Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide ATS Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Crimson Tide defeated the Southern University Jaguars 82-62, while the Wildcats beat the Houston Baptist Huskies 90-60.
Arizona played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.491 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.544. For those same stats, Houston Baptist was 0.159 and 0.355, respectively. The Crimson Tide, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.4 vs. 27.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.573 vs. 0.409). Donta Hall played a key role for Alabama with 20 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Arizona rallied around Brandon Randolph, who contributed 25 points.
The Wildcats won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 88-82. The Wildcats’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Crimson Tide. Arizona had a rate of 36.4, while Alabama posted a mark of 22.5.
Since the 2017-18 season, Alabama has done a solid job of getting to the charity stripe. They rank 36th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.286), but Arizona has been among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 50th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.221).
Arizona Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Arizona, ATS Winner – Arizona, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Alabama ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.3) while Arizona ranks 234th (4.0).
- The Wildcats rank 127th in rebounds per game (36.5) while the Crimson Tide rank 152nd in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
- Arizona is 40th in the nation with 12.3 assists allowed per game while Alabama is 57th with 11.5 assists allowed per game.
- The Wildcats rank 16th in steals allowed per game (5.8) while the Crimson Tide rank 169th (6.5).
- Arizona ranks 149th in three pointers attempted per game (19.2) while Alabama ranks 241st (19.8).
