The No. 5 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide welcome the No. 12 Oklahoma Sooners to Coleman Coliseum in NCAA hoops action.
The Crimson Tide are 11-2 thanks to their high-scoring offense, but my Oklahoma vs Alabama predictions fade their non-existent defense.
Here are my free college basketball picks for this SEC clash on January 4.
Oklahoma vs Alabama prediction
My best bet
Oklahoma team total Over 76.5 (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
The Oklahoma Sooners are 13-0, and while they've played a below-average schedule, they still rank 27th in adjusted offensive efficiency per KenPom.
They're also 62nd in average possession length on offense and 23rd in eFG% (56.8%), which has led to them averaging 83.1 points per game.
The Alabama Crimson Tide play at a blazing-fast pace (second in possession length) and don't give a damn about playing defense. They're 334th in the country in opponent turnover rate and 272nd in scoring defense (77.2 ppg), and they won't do anything to change that approach since most teams can't keep up with their high-powered offense.
The Tide are coming off a game in which they gave up 82 points to South Dakota State. Two weeks ago, they surrendered 90 points to a terrible North Dakota squad. They've also allowed at least 79 points to six of seven high-major opponents they've faced.
The Sooners are 26th in the country in transition efficiency, per ShotQualityBets, so they should thrive against Alabama's up-tempo style. They can also score at all three levels, ranking 17th in attacking the rim and 26th in midrange efficiency while shooting 36.7% from the arc.
Oklahoma has scored at least 79 points in nine of its last 11 games, so take the over 77.5 on its team total today.
Oklahoma vs Alabama same-game parlay
Oklahoma team total Over 76.5
Jeremiah Fears Over 3.5 assists
Labaron Philon Over 12.5 points
This college basketball season has one of the best classes of incoming freshmen in recent memory, and both schools have a high-impact first-year player. Freshman guard Jeremiah Fears leads OU with 18.2 points and 4.5 assists per game. He has dropped four or more dimes in eight of his last 10 games.
Meanwhile four-star recruit Labaron Philon has seen his offensive role grow at Alabama over the last month. He's scored at least 15 points in five of his previous six contests and is fresh off a career-high 21-point performance against South Dakota State.
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Oklahoma vs Alabama odds
Oklahoma vs Alabama live odds
Oklahoma vs Alabama opening odds
- Spread: Oklahoma +12.5 | Alabama -12.5
- Moneyline: Oklahoma +550 | Alabama -800
- Over/Under: Over 168 | Under 168
Odds courtesy of bet365
Oklahoma vs Alabama betting trend to know
The Over has cashed in 23 of Alabama's last 37 games (+7.60 Units / 19% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Oklahoma vs. Alabama.
How to watch Oklahoma vs Alabama
| Location: | Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL |
| Date: | Saturday, 1-4-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SECN |
Oklahoma vs Alabama key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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