Alabama Crimson Tide vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our South Dakota State vs Alabama NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Tuscaloosa.

South Dakota State vs Alabama Prediction

Planning on watching today's Jackrabbits and Crimson Tide game? Catch the action at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, AL, as the Crimson Tide hosts this showdown at 3:00 ET on SEC. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 167.5 points, and Alabama is favored by -22.5 at home against South Dakota State.

South Dakota State vs. Alabama Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Alabama Crimson Tide
Where: Tuscaloosa at Coleman Coliseum
Date: Sunday, December 29th
Betting Odds ALA -22.5, SDKST +1450 | ALA -8400 O/U 167.5

Jackrabbits Preview: Does South Dakota State Have What it Takes on the Road?

South Dakota State Jackrabbits Recent Game/Games

The Jackrabbits fell to 6-5 on the season after an 81-70 loss to Colorado on Friday. South Dakota State went into the game as +8 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 151, surpassing the O/U line of 145.5.

South Dakota State trailed 40-35 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap, as they scored 35 points in the 2nd half while allowing 41 points to the Buffaloes.

Jackrabbits Offense Breakdown

South Dakota State's offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 44.6% from the field. They connected on 11 of 25 three-point attempts, hitting 44% from deep, with an effective field goal percentage of 53.6%.

Julian Hammond III led the way with 23 points and 6 assists, shooting 57.1% overall. Elijah Malone was nearly perfect, hitting 7 of 8 shots and adding 9 rebounds, while RJ Smith knocked down 3 of 5 threes, finishing with 11 points and 4 assists.

Jackrabbits Team Defense

South Dakota State's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 81 points on 50% shooting from the field. The Jackrabbits allowed their opponent to hit 65% of their two-point attempts, going 21/32 inside the arc.

From three-point range, South Dakota State held their opponent to 29% shooting, with 7 made threes on 24 attempts. However, they sent them to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 18 for 94%. The Jackrabbits also gave up 10 offensive rebounds.

Crimson Tide Preview: Will Alabama Pull Through as the Favored Home Team?

Alabama improved to 10-2 on the season with an 81-54 win over Kent State on Sunday. The Crimson Tide, playing at home, entered the game as -20.5 favorites and covered the spread.

Alabama led 39-24 at halftime and added 42 points in the second half while allowing 30. The combined points of 135 fell short of the 153.5 O/U line.

Crimson Tide Offense Breakdown

Alabama's offense put up 81 points in their last game, shooting 45% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.3%, thanks in part to hitting 72% of their two-point attempts (18/25). However, they struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 25.7% of their threes (9/35).

At the free-throw line, Alabama shot 51.4%, making 18 of 35 attempts. They grabbed 20 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists. Mark Sears led the team with 16 points, while Aden Holloway added 13, hitting 3 of 8 from deep.

Crimson Tide Team Defense

Even with Alabama’s defense giving up 54 points, they allowed the opposing team to shoot 45% from the field, with 27 made baskets on 60 attempts. Inside the arc, the Crimson Tide struggled defensively, as the other team connected on 72% of their two-point shots, going 18/25.

From three-point range, Alabama held their opponent to 25% shooting, with just 9 made threes on 35 attempts. The other team also shot 51% from the free-throw line, hitting 18 of their 35 attempts. Alabama gave up 20 offensive rebounds in the game.

Jackrabbits vs Crimson Tide Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across the Jackrabbits last five road games, the team averaged 69 points per game while allowing 68. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-3, while going 2-3 straight-up.
Across the Crimson Tide last ten home games, the team averaged 92 points per game while allowing 91. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 5-5, while going 6-4 straight-up.
Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, South Dakota State has an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 0-3 straight up.
Through their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Crimson Tide have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 1-2.