The #6 Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1, 0-0 away) tries to avoid a letdown in a non-conference clash against the Memphis Tigers (5-4, 4-1 home) in their first away game of the season. Alabama has picked up back-to-back victories over Gonzaga and Houston, while Memphis looks to shake off four straight losses.
Tuesday night’s tipoff is at 9 p.m. EST inside the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN. According to the oddsmakers, Alabama is a 5-point favorite, and the over-under total is at 154.5 points.
What to Know – Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s been one of the best teams in the country over the first month in a half of play. The Crimson Tide have been nearly perfect during non-conference play, with their only letdown coming in a four-point defeat to Iona.
The Crimson Tide average 86.0 points per game behind, 48.1% from the field, and 35.0% beyond the arc. Alabama’s defense holds opponents to 72.2 points per game, 41.8% shooting from the floor, and 28.0% from three.
Alabama held off the Houston at home Saturday night, defeating the Cougars 83-82 in a top-15 matchup. The Crimson Tide shot an eye-popping 52% from the field, led by sophomore Juwan Gary with 19 points.
Junior Jaden Shackelford chipped in 18 points, knocking down five 3-point field goals, and classmate Jahvon Quinerly added 17 points in the narrow victory.
Alabama is 6-3 against the spread this season but are 1-5 ATS on the road over their last six games. The Crimson Tide are 1-4 ATS in their last six matchups against teams from the AAC.
What to Know – Memphis Tigers
Memphis faces a tough matchup against the Crimson Tide as the Tigers try to break out of a four-game losing slump. The Tigers seem to be unable to get over the losing hump, dropping their last three games by a combined nine points.
Offensively, the Tigers score 76.1 points per game while shooting 46.7% from the floor and 35.2% from the 3-point line. The Tigers’ defense surrenders 68.2 points per game and allow 37.8% shooting from the field and 31.4% from the arc.
Memphis built up a 14-point lead before collapsing in the second half and allowing Murray State to escape with a two-point, 74-72 victory in Memphis. The Racers shot 48.3% from three, including knocking down ten in the second half.
Senior Tyler Harris led the Tigers’ offense with 15 points, and freshman Jalen Duren poured in 14 points and grabbed five rebounds. Freshman Emoni Bates, the top-ranked recruit in last year’s class, scored nine points in 30 minutes of action.
The Tigers are 3-6 ATS through nine games this year, including 1-5 over their last six. Memphis is 2-3 ATS on their home floor and 1-4 ATS in recent games against opponents in the SEC.
The Pick is In
Alabama is a battle-tested team that looks poised to make a deep run when March rolls around. The Tigers are young and talented but need more time to work out the team chemistry.
There is always a chance that the Crimson Tide could face a letdown in their first road contest after back-to-back significant victories, but head coach Nate Oats will have his guys ready to play Tuesday night.
Betting Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide -5
