USA - NCAA Basketball
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Dan Angell in NCAA Basketball Picks
The Alabama Crimson Tide (23-11 SU, 18-15-1 ATS) square off with the North Carolina Tar Heels (29-7 SU, 20-15-1 ATS) in what might be one of the fastest-paced games of the NCAA tournament. The Crimson Tide run nonstop on game days, playing at the fifth-quickest tempo in the nation. Alabama almost always scores a lot, but the Tide also give up a lot of points.
And they're likely to give up plenty of points against North Carolina. The Tar Heels boast a top-10 defense to go along with their offense, and they spend a lot of time getting themselves to the free throw line. Alabama tends to do little on defense, either giving up the easy basket or sending an opponent to the foul line. Against North Carolina, which ranks ninth in the nation at getting to the line, that's going to mean a stopped clock and points.
Limited Offer. Currently at FanDuel
Alabama vs North Carolina Form
Alabama and North Carolina Latest Matches
1/1 (100%)
0/1 (0%)
Mar 23, 2024 - NCAA Basketball
1/1 (100%)
0/1 (0%)
Mar 23, 2024 - NCAA Basketball
Alabama - North Carolina Key Points
- North Carolina is 14-5 ATS when it scores at least 80 points.
- Alabama has allowed eight of its past nine opponents to score at least 80 points.
- North Carolina has won 11 of the past 12 games where it scored 80 or more points by double digits.
- Alabama is 25-9 to the over on the season.
Limited Offer. Currently at FanDuel
Our Alabama vs North Carolina Prediction
Alabama has to get a big game out of Mark Sears in this contest. The Crimson Tide's best scorer isn't going to find the going easy against the Carolina defense, but the Heels aren't very good at defending mid-range jumpers. Sears has the range to score from mid-range aand the perimeter, and Alabama will have to make its shots to stay in the game.
The Crimson Tide made plenty of baskets in the first weekend, but it's worrisome as to how many foul shots they gave to Charleston and Grand Canyon. North Carolina boasts a much stronger and more aggressive lineup that will use Alabama's aggression against it. If the Crimson Tide were sending small schools to the line 30 times a game, that does not bode well against a squad that attempts more free throws than anyone else in the ACC. Our prediction for Alabama vs. North Carolina is Alabama -4.5
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
Limited Offer. Currently at FanDuel
