The Alabama Crimson Tide takes on the Gonzaga Bulldogs for the “Battle in Seattle” game. It's time to continue or College Basketball odd series with an Alabama-Gonzaga prediction and pick based on Alabama Gonzaga odds.
Not only does Alabama dominate the NCAA football landscape, but its basketball program is starting to turn it up a notch. They are now the 16th ranked team in the nation and were ranked 10th before their loss to Iona last month. A lot of people were wondering why a small school like Iona is beating a top-10 school. Former Louisville head coach Rick Patino is coaching the 8-2 Gaels and it shouldn't be much of a surprise now. Alabama is 6-1 and led by junior guard Jaden Shackelford who is averaging 18 points and 6.4 rebounds through seven games.
Gonzaga lost to Duke in a close battle 84-81 back in late November to fall from the top spot. They bounced back with a 64-55 win over Tarleton but it was a lot closer than it should've been. Gonzaga usually wins those games by north of 20 points. The Bulldogs are still ranked in the top-3 and a win over Alabama should keep in the top-3 for a long time. Gonzaga doesn't face a ranked opponent until BYU in mid-January. Drew Timme is leading the way with 17.4 points and 5.6 rebounds on the season. Chet Holmgren is playing like Kristaps Porzingis with 13.8 points, 7 rebounds, and a monstrous 3.9 blocks per game.
Let's see how FanDuel set the Alabama-Gonzaga line for Saturday night.
College Basketball Odds: Alabama-Gonzaga Odds
Alabama: +9.5 (-115)
Gonzaga: -9.5 (-105)
Over: 163.5 (-104)
Under: 163.5 (-118)
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Why Alabama Could Cover The Spread
Alabama presents a tough challenge for the Bulldogs who don't seem to be playing their best right now. Both of these teams are in the top-10 in the nation in scoring and it should be a high-scoring game. Alabama will need to focus on rebounds and second-chance points because the Bulldogs can rebound very well with their height and length. Gonzaga is a tough matchup to face because they create mismatches at every position.
With the way Gonzaga played in their last game, it's unlikely they will repeat their poor performance despite the win. Bama will need to take advantage of it and try and force them to make the same mistakes they've been making. If Alabama can keep this game close going into the final 10 minutes of the second half then they will have a great chance to not only cover, but win the game. Alabama is no Duke, but they certainly can beat Gonzaga if they are playing their best.
Why Gonzaga Could Cover The Spread
I have a strong feeling that Gonzaga is going to bounce back and get right back on track Saturday night. If they are going to cover this semi-large spread then they will need to be at their best. They let a Tarleton team keep it close when it should not have been close at all. That worried a lot of people and so we will see if that translates over to this game. Alabama plays through their three starting guards who all can shoot very well. They will need to contain them and not let them catch fire or else this game will be closer than they want.
If Timme, Holmgren, and their elite guards are on their game then Gonzaga can cover this spread pretty easily. They will need to focus on their defensive play because Bama can keep themselves in it. The Bulldogs can not let them get second-chance points and need to control the rebounds. If they manage to do that then they should cover this spread.
Final Alabama-Gonzaga Prediction & Pick
I expect Gonzaga to win this game. But, I am taking Alabama to cover this 9.5 spread. Alabama is a good team this year filled with three talented guards. I think they will step up Saturday night and give them a chance to win the game late. I think it will be high-scoring and close until the finish. Both teams are capable of scoring at least 80 points tonight.
Final Alabama-Gonzaga Prediction & Pick: Alabama +9.5 (-115) & Over: 163.5 (-104)
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