One of these schools is coming in hot, the other much less so. Alabama’s colours may be crimson, but the Tide is stumbling into this year’s first round. Losers of four of their last six (the last being 102-88 to Florida in the SEC), Alabama need to turn things around fast. In contrast, the Cougars are looking like world beaters, having downed 12 consecutive opponents, capping it off with an 82-79 victory over Stoney Brook in the CAA final.

Despite appearances, the March Madness odds give the Crimson Tide the benefit of the doubt, pinning them as -9.5 favourites.

Charleston Cougars vs. Alabama Crimson Tide NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting

There has been one meeting between the Charleston Cougars and the Alabama Crimson Tide, although it wasn’t a March Madness game and was over 30 years ago in 1993. For what it’s worth, Charleston took it 82-60.

Charleston’s aura has improved in recent seasons. Given that there was no 2020 edition of the tournament, the Cougars have made it to three of the past six editions, including last year. That said, their best finish was in 1997 when they got bounced in the Round of 32, so it’s been a while. Betters should tread carefully with the spread. Charleston has a good outright campaign courtesy of a 24-7 record, but it only translated to a 14-15-1 tally ATS. They were on a five-game winning streak, but didn’t cover their last two playoff games. Of note, the over is 17-13.

The Crimson Tide is a great team name, but opponents have always been able to stop it. Alabama’s best performance in the tournament was 20 years ago in 2004. Even then, it was only an Elite Eight participation. In fact, this year is just the second consecutive season the program has made it to the big dance after missing out from 2019 through 2022. Alabama hasn’t fared any better than Charleston ATS this season, posting a forgettable 16-14-1 record. Moreover, they’ve lost against six of the last seven spreads.

Charleston Cougars

It was a close one, but the Cougars won the Coastal Athletic Conference, not to mention finished with the best record at 15-3.

Charleston is one of the higher-scoring teams in the West bracket first round, reaching an average of 80.5, which was also the best in the CAA. Incidentally, they’re a rather average three-point team, hitting only 34.5 per cent of their shots. They give up a few more points than most other West teams at 72.5. This is a team where everybody puts in a little bit of effort. There’s no great assist man but collectively they still execute 15.3 per game. Reyne Smith leads with 12.8 points, followed by Ante Brzovic at 12.3, then Ben Burnham’s 11.7. Brzobiv is also the main rebounder, grabbing 6.2 per game.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama’s 13-5 record inside the SEC doesn’t shine as brightly as Charleston’s 15-3, but the SEC is considered the tougher conference. Make no mistake about one thing, the over is very tempting with this team.

The reasons are twofold and should be obvious. First, they feature a blistering attack, netting 90.8 points on average. They are statistically the best collegiate offence in the entire country. However, they had the worst defence in the SEC and certainly are among the worst defences in this bracket (81.1). Their star is Mark Sears, who scores 21.1, but he’s also a solid helper, making 4.1 dimes a game. Aaron Estrada has 13.5, Grant Nelson 12.0, and Rylan Griffen 11.0. Estrada and Nelson are also tough to handle against the glass, with 5.3 and 5.7 rebounds respectively.

Who Will Win Cougars vs. Crimson Tide?

COUGARS

Away

80

CRIMSON TIDE

Home

84

Score
Predictions

Matchup