Vanderbilt vs. Alabama college basketball predictions, picks, odds

It’s a midweek SEC clash as Vanderbilt visits Alabama. It’s time to continue our college basketball odds series with the Vanderbilt-Alabama prediction and pick.

Vanderbilt enters the game at 15-3 on the year, but 3-2 in conference play. They opened the season 13-1, with their only loss coming to Drake, including a win over LSU en route to opening conference play. They would then fall to Mississippi State and Missouri before upsetting South Carolina. They last faced sixth-ranked Tennessee. Vanderbilt led 41-35 at halftime and extended its lead to 13 in the second half. However, they did not score in the last 3:48 and held on for a 76-75 reversal. There are two straight upsets Vanderbilt right now looks like it will make the NCAA Tournament.

Meanwhile, Alabama is 15-3 on the year and 4-2 in conference play. They would open the season 14-2, with their only loss to Purdue and two points to Oregon. They also had wins over ranked opponents like Illinois, Houston, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. However, after beating Texas A&M, they would return home, falling to Ole Miss. They last faced Kentucky. It was a close game until late in the second half when Alabama went on a 9-0 run to open the lead. Alabama would go on to defeat Kentucky 102-97.

It’s Vanderbilt-Alabama here College basketball oddscourtesy of FanDuel

College basketball odds: Vanderbilt-Alabama odds

Vanderbilt: +13.5 (-112)

Moneiline: +640

Alabama: -13.5 (-108)

Coins: -1000

Over: 169.5 (-115)

Under: 169.5 (-105)

How to watch Vanderbilt vs. Alabama

Time: 7:00 PM ET/ 4:00 PM PT

TV: SEC Network

*Watch college basketball LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why Vanderbilt will cover the spread/win

Vanderbilt is ranked No. 48 in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency rankings. They rank 40th in offensive efficiency, while they rank 69th in defensive efficiency. Vanderbilt has been solid offensively this year. They are 26th in the nation in points per game, while 67th in the nation in effective field goal percentage. They are also 41st in the country in assists and turnovers.

Vanderbilt is led by Jason Edwards. He scores 17.1 points per game with 2.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a steal per game. AJ Hoggard joins Edwards in the backcourt and leads the team in assists. Hoggard is coming off 4.4 assists per game while also scoring 11.1 points per game. He also has 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game this year. Rounding out the backfield is Tyler Nickle. Nickel is averaging 10.1 points per game this year, while adding 2.1 rebounds per game this year.

Meanwhile, it’s Devin McGlockton who leads the frontcourt and the team in rebounding. He has 7.9 rebounds per game, along with 10.7 points and 1.4 blocks per game. He is joined in the frontcourt by Jalen Carey. Kerry is averaging 7.4 points per game this year, while adding 5.7 rebounds per game this year.

Why Alabama will cover the spread/win

Alabama is ranked eighth in KenPom’s rankings this year. They are fourth in adjusted offensive efficiency, while this year they are 43rd in adjusted defensive efficiency. Alabama has been dominant on offense this year. They are first in the nation in points per game, while they are 49th in effective field goal percentage. Further, they play with pace, ranking 10th in the nation in field goal attempts per game and fourth in three-point attempts per game.

Alabama is led by Mark Sears, who leads the team in both points and assists this year. He is averaging 18.9 points per game, while adding 4.8 assists, three rebounds and 1.1 steals this year. He is joined in the backfield by Labaron Filon. Fillon scores 11.6 points per game and adds 3.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Rounding out the backfield is Aden Holloway. Holloway scores 10.8 points per game, along with 1.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.

In the frontcourt, Grant Nelson leads the way. He leads the team with 8.7 rebounds per game, while adding 12.7 points and 1.7 assists. Furthermore, he has 1.2 blocks per game this year.

Final Vanderbilt-Alabama Prediction & Pick

Although Alabama has a strong offensive attack, there are several key factors that will determine this game. First, Alabama is 300th in the nation in opponent points per game, but that has more to do with the pace at which they play. This year, they are 32nd in the nation in opponent shooting efficiency, while Vanderbilt is 118th.. Second, Alabama shoots a lot from three. They are fourth in the nation in three-point attempts and tenth in attempts. Vanderbilt is 268th in the nation against the three-pointer. Finally, Alabama is 113th in the nation in defensive rebounding percentage and 18th in offensive rebounding percentage. Vanderbilt is 172nd in defensive rebounding percentage and 115th offensively. While Vanderbilt will fight for parts of the game, they won’t be able to hang on in this one.

Vanderbilt-Alabama Final Prediction and Pick: Alabama -13.5 (-108)