After advancing to the Sweet 16 a year ago, Alabama is back in the tournament following an uneven season. The Crimson Tide are simultaneously one of the best offensive teams and worst defensive teams in the nation, often resulting in high-scoring affairs regardless of their opponent.
Fresh off an 89-87 double-overtime win over Rutgers in the First Four, Notre Dame is just 4-3 over their last seven games. Can the Fighting Irish muster another tenacious performance against a superior team on Friday?
Alabama vs Notre Dame Odds
Alabama vs Notre Dame CBB gameday odds are current as of Thursday, March 17, at 10 a.m. ET via Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Alabama (-190) vs Notre Dame (+160)
- Spread: Alabama -4 (-110) vs Notre Dame +4 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 151.5 (-110) / Under 151.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Alabama 77.75, Notre Dame 73.75
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Alabama vs Notre Dame Prediction
A First Four team has won at least one tournament game every year except 2019, but can Notre Dame recover in time from a grueling win and cross-country flight against a well-rested ‘Bama squad that hasn’t played since last week?
The Fighting Irish will need to step up defensively if they’re going to lock down Jaden Shackelford, Jahvon Quinerly, and the rest of the high-flying Tide, who ranked ninth in the country with 80.0 points per game. Notre Dame allowed 67.5 points per game during the season but has surrendered 87 points in each of its last two games.
- Print your 2022 March Madness bracket.
ND’s big men, Paul Atkinson Jr. and Nate Laszewski, will be needed on the glass against the Crimson Tide, as Alabama ranks sixth in offensive rebounding and 15th in total rebounding.
Alabama, meanwhile, is limping into the tournament after losing three in a row. Can they get back on track and save their season before it’s too late?
Alabama vs Notre Dame Game Pick
Notre Dame 74, Alabama 70
Notre Dame may not have rest on its side, but these are college kids. The Fighting Irish always travel well, which means the crowd should be pro-Notre Dame.
The Crimson Tide also have all the makings of a one-and-done, despite having two extremely talented guards that could be playing in their final game. They have not played well recently and their defense appears to be a fatal flaw.
Scoring won’t be an issue for Notre Dame against Alabama, which allowed a whopping 76.4 points per game (33rd-most in the country). This should be a tight, hard-fought game, but I’m banking on the more-balanced Fighting Irish to prevail.
Alabama vs Notre Dame Best Bets
Under 151.5 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
Fatigue will be a factor for Notre Dame, and the Irish certainly won’t want to play a shootout against the offensive-minded Crimson Tide. Rust could hamper Alabama after their longest layoff of the season, so don’t be surprised if they struggle to score initially and take a while to get in the flow of the game.
This total is very high and should go Under as long as there’s no overtime. Take the Under for our CBB bet of the day.
