It will be a battle between SEC opponents when the Alabama Crimson Tide (8-4) welcome the No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies (11-1) to Coleman Coliseum. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017, and will air on ESPN2.
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Prediction
The last time the Aggies played, they defeated the Buffalo Bulls, 89-73. The Aggies made 28 of their 33 free throws (84.8 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.7 (above their season average of 35.4). With 23 points on 7-for-13 shooting, Duane Wilson was the game’s leading scorer.
The Crimson Tide fell to the Texas Longhorns in their last matchup, 66-50. Texas’ free throw rate was their largest strength over Alabama. The Longhorns had a rate of 0.204 (below their season average of 0.229), while the Crimson Tide posted a mark of 0.082 (below their season average of 0.318). Alabama’s Daniel Giddens put up 10 points and six rebounds in the contest.
Alabama does a solid job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 33rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.297), but Texas A&M is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 16th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.162).
Tyler Davis has averaged 13.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over the last five games for Texas A&M.
After the Aggies won the only game against the Crimson Tide last season, 56-53, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Texas A&M did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (26-37; 70.3 percent). Alabama, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.390 vs. 0.333).
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Alabama Crimson Tide ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Texas A&M, ATS Winner – Texas A&M, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas A&M averages 45.1 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the NCAA. Alabama ranks 182nd in rebounds allowed per game (36.3).
The Crimson Tide rank 85th in three pointers allowed per game (20.5) while the Aggies rank 236th (26.4).
Texas A&M ranks 14th in assists per game (18.6) while Alabama ranks 145th (13.4).
The Crimson Tide rank 17th in blocks per game (5.9) while the Aggies rank 122nd in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Alabama ranks 102nd in steals per game (6.5) while Texas A&M ranks 107th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.2, up from 17.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Crimson Tide have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (8.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.4 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
