In the Midwest Region, the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide is taking on the No. 13 seed Hofstra Pride in the Round of 64 on Friday, March 20. Last week, Alabama lost to Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinals while Hofstra beat Monmouth to win the CAA Tournament Championship.
Alabama vs. Hofstra opening odds
Alabama has a 23-9 record this season, but has lost two of its previous three contests. The Crimson Tide possesses an elite offense and averages 91.7 points per game, the most in college basketball. Alabama has an elite backcourt led by Labaron Philon Jr. (21.7 PPG) and Aden Holloway (16.8 PPG).
Hofstra is 11-1 in their previous 12 games and is on a seven-game winning streak. Although the Pride average only 75.6 points, they have an elite scorer in Cruz Davis, who averages 20.2 points per contest. Cruz has six games this season with at least 27 points. Preston Edmead is Hofstra’s only other player who averages at least 10 points per game.
Alabama is a -12.5-point favorite in this contest, while the game’s over/under is currently at 161.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Crimson Tide is 18th on KenPom while the Pride is 87th. Alabama has the No. 3 highest offensive rating and the 67th highest defensive rating, while Hofstra’s offensive rating is No. 89 and its defensive rating is No. 95.
