The Alabama Crimson Tide, the #1 overall team in the nation, and SEC Champions take on the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders in the South Region. The Crimson Tide (29-5,16-2 SEC) will look to make a deep run this year, after a first-round loss to Notre Dame in last year’s NCAA Tournament. The Islanders (23-10,14-4 Southland) look to rebound after losing to Texas Southern in the 2021-2022 First Four. These two teams will play on Thursday at 2:45 EDT, located in Birmingham, Alabama. The matchup will air on CBS. If you’re looking for the best betting odds, here’s some information to know:
Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*
Money Line
Alabama: -12500
Texas A&M Corpus Christi: +2500
Over/Under: 155.5
Over: -110
Under: -110
Spread:
Alabama -24 (-110)
Texas A&M Corpus Christi: +24 (-110)
Regular Season Recap
Alabama
The Crimson Tide made a comeback this season, after making a first-round exit against Notre Dame last season. After finishing 19-14 last season, Alabama established themselves as the #1 team in the Nation and SEC. The Crimson Tide finished 29-5 overall and have a shot at making a deep run according to March Madness betting sites. Led by Freshman Brandon Miller, the Crimson Tide ranked #1 in strength of schedule, according to CBS, and are one of the most efficient offensive teams. Alabama had impressive wins over Houston, a top tier team, and UNC, a former #1 overall team in the nation. Alabama had 16 impressive wins in the SEC, only losing to Tennessee and Texas A&M. They also finished 7-4 against Top 25 teams. Alabama will look to win their first National Championship in the next couple of weeks. Nate Oats is an elite coach, and this team excels on both sides of the ball, including attacking the rim with their height advantage. Defensively, they’ve held opponents to under 70 points per game. They’ve had many issues off the court, and it’s only a matter of time how it will affect them in games.
Latest Sportsbook Promos to use on Islanders vs Crimson Tide
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
The Islanders are looking to advance against Alabama after their First Four exist last year. The Islanders found success again this season, finishing 24-10 overall, which is one more win than the previous season. Before January 26th, the Islanders finished just 12-9. Since then, they went on a tear, winning 7 in a row, and winning 11 of their next 12 games. They had 14 wins in the Southland Conference and had key wins against Alcorn State (#1 in SWAC), and twice against Northwestern State. Lead by Trevian Tennyson and Isaac Mushila, the Islanders finished as one of the top teams at the free throw line. Although they were in the bottom 300 in terms of strength of schedule, the Islanders impressed with their 3-point shooting and offense. Jalen Jackson led the Islanders to a gutsy 75-71 First Four win over Southeast Missouri State with 22 points. They struggled against SEMO, shooting less than 30 percent beyond the arc and field goal percentage. However, they went 27-35 from the free throw line, which led them to the First Four win and into the NCAA Tournament. If they are without Senior Guard, Terrion Murdix, it may be very difficult to keep up with Alabama.
Injury Report
Alabama
None
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Terrion Murdix (G)
Key Players
Alabama
Freshman Forward Brandon Miller has been waiting for this moment his entire career. He is arguably Alabama’s top player and one of the best in the country. He averaged 19.6 points per game, and 8.3 rebounds, nearly averaging a double-double this year. Not only is he 6’9”, but Miller has also shot a solid 45 percent from field goal rang, and 40 percent from beyond the arc. Although Alabama lost to Gonzaga 100-90 on 12/17, Miller had an impressive game. He finished with 36 points, on 12-22. Miller shot 54.5 percent from the three on 6-11. In addition, he finished with 6 rebounds. He is an all-around athlete that can finish at the rim, strike from beyond the three, and could lead this team to the Final Four.
Freshman Noah Clowney has been another staple of this team, averaging 10.1 points per game and 8 rebounds, tied for 88th in the nation. He nearly has a 50-field percentage. In addition, Junior guard Mark Sears has stepped up nicely, also averaging double digits in points with 12.5.
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Senior guard Trevian Tennyson has proven he can do it all for his team. He’s a threat beyond the arc, hitting 40 percent of his 3-point shots this season. He’s a player that’s improved both in minutes played, field goal, and three-point percentage.
The Islanders have been without Senior Guard, Terrion Murdix, who has an injured Knee. If he is out against the Crimson Tide, they will be missing a player who shoots 54 percent from the field, averaging double digits in points, and over 4 assists.
Key Stats
• Alabama is averaging 82.2 points per game, while Texas A&M CC is averaging 80.4 points per game.
• Alabama led the entire nation in Rebounds per game at 44.4, just above UAB.
• Alabama averages 44.4 rebounds per game, while Texas A&M CC is averaging 36.9 rebounds per game.
• Texas A&M CC averaged 36.8 % from 3-point, while Alabama averaged 33.8 % from 3-point.
• Alabama is ranked # 8th in point differential, at +13.6
• Texas A&M Corpus Christi ranks 17th in the Nation with 80.2 PPG
• Texas A&M Corpus Christi ranks 47th in point differential at +7.6
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION
• SPREAD: Alabama -24
-Alabama covered the spread in three of their last five games. This included a -9.5 and -8.0 spread against Missouri and Mississippi State.
-Alabama is 19-14-1 this season to cover the spread.
-Alabama highest spread point will be against Texas A&M CC at -24.0
-Texas A&M CC covered the spread in three of their last 10 games.
-Texas A&M CC is 18-12-0 ATS
-Texas A&M CC is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games.
• MONEY LINE: Alabama
-Alabama won the Money line 8 out of their last 10 games
-Adding Alabama money line at -12500 would not add a significant value to any parlay. High risk low reward situation.
-In their last 10 games, Alabama has won the money line very high at -1932 against UGA and -1682 vs. South Carolina
-Texas A&M CC won the money line in 9 out of their last 10 games.
• OVER/UNDER- OVER
Alabama has a record of 15-18-1 versus the over/under. They hit the UNDER in 6 of their last 10 games, and last 4 games straight.
Texas A&M CC has a 18-12 record versus over/under. They hit the under 6 out of their last ten games.
Alabama Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +3.23
Texas A&M CC Avg +/- vs O/U Line: + 0.24