Arkansas St. Red Wolves vs
Alabama Crimson TidePredictions & Preview

Arkansas State and Alabama Men's Basketball Teams Poised for Success in Upcoming Season

The Arkansas State men's basketball team is coming off a 18-16 season and is returning seven players, prompting many experts to predict they may win the Sun Belt conference this season. Meanwhile, Alabama had a strong season opener and head coach Nate Oats is confident in the abilities of his team, calling it the best roster he has had since taking over the program in 2019. Despite a successful season last year, Alabama is looking to build on their success after falling to UCONN in the Final 4. While the odds for the Arkansas State vs. Alabama game have not been posted yet, Alabama is currently the betting favorite with a -22 point spread that has not moved.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Red Wolves +1600 | Crimson Tide -4500
• Spread: Red Wolves +22 (-110) | Crimson Tide -22 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 167 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Alabama will win straight-up is 98%.

Arkansas St. vs Alabama Stats

Arkansas St. Red Wolves

In their first home game of the MAC-SBC Challenge, Arkansas State defeated Akron 80-75 in overtime, only allowing three points in the extra period. Despite being outscored in the second half, the Red Wolves played solid defense in overtime. Joseph Pinion scored 16 points and Derrian Ford had 15 points in the win. Taryn Todd, who led the team last season, struggled with his shot but contributed seven rebounds. The team's big transfer, Kobe Julien, scored 14 points in the game. Arkansas State, with a power ranking of 103, is currently ranked 146 in offense and 182 in defense. They are 1-0 this season, shooting 46.58% from the field and 30.00% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they allow 35.44% field goals and 29.41% three-pointers. Last season, the Red Wolves were 23-13-1 ATS but struggled on the road with a 5-11 record. They face only one ranked team this season, Alabama.

Alabama Crimson Tide Analysis

The Alabama Crimson Tide had a strong start to the season with a dominant 110-54 win over UNC Asheville. They showcased impressive offensive and defensive performances, shooting 63.3% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the 3-point arc while holding their opponents to just 27.4% shooting. Standout players include Mark Sears, who led the team with 20 points, and Clifford Omoruyi, who contributed 16 points. Sears, a second team All American last season, is known for his scoring ability, while Omoruyi, a transfer from Rutgers, brings a strong defensive presence. The team also has high hopes for freshman Derrion Reid, a five-star recruit. Alabama boasts a tall lineup with four players standing at least 6'10". Last season, the team had a strong performance, going 21-16 ATS and 14-2 at home. In terms of power ranking, the Crimson Tide are ranked 6th and have an offense ranked 14th, averaging 110 points per game. Their defense is ranked 43rd, allowing an average of 54 points per game. Looking ahead, Alabama appears to be a formidable opponent with a strong offensive and defensive game.

Top Teams Triumph in Season Openers: Arkansas State Narrowly Wins, Alabama Dominates and Covers Spread

Both teams emerged victorious in their season openers, with Arkansas State narrowly winning in overtime and failing to cover the spread, while Alabama secured a dominant victory in a blowout and easily covered the spread as a substantial 27-point favorite. Arkansas State shows promise and is expected to be a formidable opponent in the Sun Belt, but Alabama possesses significant talent and is poised to contend for the National Championship this season. The Crimson Tide boasts exceptional size and athleticism, positioning them as one of the top teams in the nation. Anticipated to replicate their earlier success, Alabama is predicted to emerge victorious against Arkansas State with a commanding win and successful coverage of the spread. Therefore, it is recommended to select Alabama for this matchup.

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