Alabama (24-11) vs Clemson (24-11)
Game Info: Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 8:49 pm (Crypto.com Arena)
Betting Odds: Alabama Crimson Tide -3.5 -- Over/Under: 164.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide meet Saturday in NCAA Tournament Elite Eight college basketball action from Crypto.com Arena. Here’s a Clemson vs Alabama prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for the game. We will examine:
• The Clemson recent form and player performance
• The Alabama recent form and player performance
• Recent betting trends and streaks involving Clemson
• Recent betting trends and streaks involving Alabama
• Recent betting trends in games played between Clemson and Alabama
• A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Clemson vs Alabama game
Clemson Tigers Betting Preview
Clemson had a bad stretch in the middle of the year, going just 5-7 at one point. The Tigers skidded into the postseason on a 1-2 run and fell to Boston College in the conference tournament. Since then however, Clemson is playing great with wins over New Mexico, Baylor and Arizona in the NCAA Tournament.
Back on Thursday in their latest matchup versus Arizona, the Tigers came out of the break with a 38-31 edge. Clemson was outscored 41-38 from there but managed to hang on for the win 77-72 in the end. Tops in scoring was Chase Hunter with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
Over on the Alabama side, they also had a rough stretch this year, going just 2-5 in November/December. The Tide faltered going into the tournaments with a 2-3 run in their final five games, then lost to Florida in their opening matchup. Alabama has gotten hot since then though, beating Charleston, Grand Canyon and North Carolina so far.
In their Thursday matchup versus North Carolina, the Tide were in trouble with a 54-46 deficit at the break. North Carolina stormed back on a 43-33 run from there however, ultimately winning 89-87. Grant Nelson led the team on his 24 points and 12 rebounds with five blocks.
Alabama Crimson Tide Team Facts
- Alabama has won 32 of its last 36 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Eight of Alabama's last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 166+ points.
- Alabama has lost the first half in each of its last five night games played at neutral venues.
Clemson Tigers Team Facts
- Clemson has won each of its last eight night games against non-Conference opponents.
- Each of Clemson's last 37 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 162 or fewer points.
- Clemson has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-Conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Alabama ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (90.8).
- Alabama ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (123.3).
- Clemson ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (79.0%).
- Clemson ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.4).
Clemson vs Alabama Prediction
I’ll lean toward Clemson. You could easily make a case either way, though; we should have a fun matchup on our hands. Both teams faltered late in the season but have gathered themselves over the first three rounds of the national tournament. The Tigers were out-rebounded pretty badly by Arizona 44-36 (17-6 offensive) but otherwise played well. Clemson shot 49.2 percent from the field and held the Wildcats to just 37.3 percent on the other side. The 11-of-16 from the line (68.8 percent) probably isn’t going to cut it, though. The Tigers have scored 72 or more points in all three games of the national tournament.
As for Alabama, they’ll be talking about that North Carolina game for a long time to come. The Tide ended up shooting 47.8 percent there, and held the Tar Heels to 38.5 percent. Alabama did miss six of their 20 free throws though (70 percent), and had double-digit turnovers. This one’s going to be another tricky matchup and I like a close game that comes down to the proverbial wire. I think Clemson can get in there for a cover if all goes well.
Andrew’s Pick Clemson Tigers +3.5
AUTHOR: Andrew Jett
Follow Andrew Jett on Twitter @PickDawgzAndrew