Published Mar 19, 8:28am ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 19, 8:28am ET
Updated Mar 19, 8:47am ET
Alabama and Hofstra are set to face off in Tampa. Alabama enters off an upset loss to Ole Miss and the suspension of Aden Holloway.
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| Alabama Crimson Tide | -800 |
| Hofstra Pride | +550 |
Hofstra is 24-10 overall and the 13th seed in the Midwest Region, making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2001. Back then, current head coach Speedy Claxton was a player on that very team.
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Cruz Davis is the player to watch out for. The CAA Player of the Year averages 20.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, and 4.6 apg. He can score from anywhere and create for others. A big game from him will be needed to keep up with the guard play of Alabama.
Alabama is 23-9 overall and the 4th seed in the Midwest Region, making their sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance under Nate Oats, who has taken them to the Final Four and Elite Eight in the last two seasons.
Alabama shoots more threes per possession than any team in the country and Holloway is their most lethal weapon from deep. Without him, Labaron Philon Jr. will have to do more. He is more than capable however, being good for over 22 points a game. Can a short handed Alabama make it to the second weekend another time?
Hofstra vs Alabama will be talked about for many reasons. However, Alabama's guard play and size should be the difference here. Philon is an elite talent, and the Tide have too much depth and length for Hofstra to handle for 40 minutes. Our pick is Alabama (-800).
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Pick
Alabama (-800)
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