Alabama Crimson Tide (12-5) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (13-4)
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Tennessee Volunteers 1/20/24 – As the NCAA Men’s Basketball season heats up, a standout game looms on the horizon with the Alabama Crimson Tide, standing at 12-5, facing off against the Tennessee Volunteers, who boast a 13-4 record. This eagerly anticipated matchup is set for Saturday, January 20, 2024, and promises to be a pivotal moment in the season for both teams. Fans and bettors alike are keenly searching for free NCAAB picks as they try to gauge the outcome of what looks to be a fiercely contested game.
Alabama Crimson Tide enters this game having won five straight, in part due to their prolific offense that averages 90.2 points per game and boasts an efficiency rating of 49.1% field goal percentage and 39.7% three-point shooting accuracy. Unfortunately, their road against the spread performance (2-4) could prove critical; they average 7.5 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while only accruing 18.2 fouls per game while 12 turnovers may prove troublesome on game day.
Tennessee Volunteers boasting an impressive 13-4 record have demonstrated their consistency by going 4-1 over their last five games and scoring an average of 79.1 points while holding their opponents below 80 per contest on defense. Their field goal percentage stands at 44.6% while beyond-the-arc shooting sits at 33.6%; performance against spread in road games stands at 2-5; rebounding averages nearly 40 rebounds per contest while assists and blocks are key components to Tennessee’s team approach that helps make success possible.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Tennessee Volunteers 1/20/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Thompson-Boling Arena |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Mark Sears (Guard) vs. Dalton Knecht (Guard)
In 17 games this season, Alabama sophomore guard Mark Sears is averaging 30.1 minutes, 19.6 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He’s shooting efficiently from the floor at 53.3% overall and knocks down 47.8% of his 3-point attempts. Sears’ scoring punch, playmaking ability, and perimeter defense will challenge Tennessee.
Tennessee Volunteers’ guard Dalton Knecht has been a steady contributor for the Volunteers through 17 contests. In 28.4 minutes per game, Knecht puts up 18.5 points, 4.4 boards, 1.6 assists and 0.7 steals. He’s netting 48.6% of his total shots and 41.7% from beyond the arc. Knecht’s accuracy from deep and knack for drawing fouls make him a difficult cover for opponents.
This head-to-head matchup features two talented guards who can fill it up from all levels. Sears is the more dynamic offensive creator while Knecht is a pure shooter with underrated defensive skills. If Sears can exploit his quickness advantage and Knecht knocks down triples over outstretched hands, both are capable of willing their team to victory.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds for this match-up are yet to be set, it can be challenging to provide an accurate forecast. But considering both teams’ recent performances and trends, this game promises to be fiercely contested.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Trends
Alabama is 13-4 overall and 10-7 against the spread this season. The Crimson Tide are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS over their last 5 contests. However, Bama is just 2-4 ATS in their 7 true road games this year. The over has hit in 3 of Alabama’s previous 5 outings.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Trends
The Volunteers are 13-4 straight up but just 8-9 against the spread. Tennessee has won 4 of their last 5 games outright but covered in only 3 of those victories. At home, the Vols have struggled to beat the number with a 2-5 ATS record at Thompson-Boling Arena. The over is 3-2 in Tennessee’s last 5 matchups.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Tennessee Volunteers 1/20/24 Betting Picks
In conclusion, this game presents a clash of two potent teams with their unique strengths. Alabama’s offensive firepower, led by Mark Sears, is a significant factor, but Tennessee’s balanced approach and solid defense, highlighted by Dalton Knecht’s performance, should not be underestimated. The key will be Alabama’s ability to penetrate Tennessee’s defense and whether the Volunteers can counter the Tide’s scoring runs.
Given the trends and performances, the better pick seems challenging to pin down. However, considering the home advantage for Tennessee and their solid all-around game, they might have a slight edge. Prop bets could include individual player performances, particularly focusing on Sears and Knecht. The over/under will be critical, with both teams showing tendencies to engage in high-scoring games. Bettors and handicappers’ premium picks might lean slightly towards Tennessee, considering their home court advantage and consistent defense.
Free Pick and Prediction: Tennessee Volunteers 82, Alabama Crimson Tide 78