Rutgers vs Alabama Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/27/24

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are visiting the Alabama Crimson Tide on Wednesday, November 27th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction.

Alabama Crimson Tide Preview

The Alabama Crimson Tide have a 4-1 record this season and are coming off a 100-87 win over Illinois. The Crimson Tide are 1-4 against the spread, and 3-2 in over/under, while having a 3-0 home record. 

Offensively, Alabama is averaging 89.6 points per game, which is the 14th-best in the nation. Defensively, they allow 74.2 points per game (254th). The Crimson Tide shoot 49% from the field (57th) and  30.8% from beyond the arc (275th). The Crimson Tide shoot 71.4% from the free-throw line (161st) and are grabbing 43 rebounds per game, which is the 23rd-best in the nation.

Grant Nelson leads Alabama in scoring with an average of 14.2 points and a team-high 7 rebounds, while Mark Sears adds 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Alabama will meet North Carolina, Creighton, and North Dakota after this game.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have a 4-1 record this season and are coming off a 77-79 loss in Kennesaw State. The Scarlet Knights are 1-4 against the spread, and 3-2 in over/under, while they have a 0-1 road record. 

Offensively, Rutgers is averaging 79.8 points per game, which ranks 128th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 68 points per game (123rd). The Scarlet Knights shoot 47.4% from the field (107th) and 35.6% from beyond the arc (132nd). The Scarlet Knights shoot 71.8% from the free-throw line (152nd) and are grabbing 37.4 rebounds per game (162nd).

Dylan Harper leads Rutgers in scoring with an average of 19.8 points, 5 rebounds, and a team-high 5.2 assists, while Airious Bailey adds 19 points and 5.7 rebounds.

Why the Alabama Crimson Tide will win

• Alabama has won each of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Rutgers has lost six of its last seven games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Alabama has won the first half in each of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win

• Rutgers has won each of its last six night games against non-conference opponents.
• Alabama has lost each of its last three games after coming off overtime.
• Rutgers has won the first half in 16 of its last 20 night games against non-conference opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• Alabama ranks T8th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (29.0).
• Alabama ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (20.8).
• Rutgers ranks T6th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.2).
• Rutgers ranks T10th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.2).

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction

In this Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction, Alabama is coming as a -11.5 home favorite. The Crimson Tide are coming off a huge home victory over Illinois and have been almost perfect this season. Alabama is winning by an average of 15.4 points per game this season and is propelled by their offense, which ranks 14th nationally. Rutgers is above average both offensively and defensively, but they have not been efficient on the road, so the value here lies with the home team. Take the Alabama Crimson Tide and lay the points at home.