Ole Miss Rebels vs Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/14/25

This SEC showdown features two ranked teams in college basketball, with #4 Alabama (14-2) hosting #21 Ole Miss (14-2). Both squads are off to stellar starts, but they bring very different styles to the court. Alabama, led by head coach Nate Oats, thrives in an up-tempo, high-scoring environment. Ranked second in adjusted tempo, the Crimson Tide loves to push the pace and fire from deep, with nearly half of their shots coming from beyond the arc. Although their 32% three-point shooting isn’t elite, their offense is still ranked #2 in efficiency. Guard Mark Sears has been on fire, scoring 20+ points in four straight games, and transfer Chris Youngblood is starting to find his rhythm, adding another weapon to this potent offense.

Ole Miss, on the other hand, prefers to slow things down. With a defense anchored by Chris Beard’s coaching, the Rebels excel at disrupting opponents. They force turnovers on 22% of possessions and hold teams to just 29% shooting from three. However, their interior defense could be tested, as Alabama’s size and rebounding prowess present a challenge for Ole Miss’ smaller lineup. The key for Ole Miss will be dictating the pace, limiting Alabama’s transition opportunities, and forcing tough perimeter shots. For Alabama, their ability to handle Ole Miss’ defensive pressure and dominate the boards could be the deciding factor.

In Alabama’s three conference games thus far, the first half has gone under twice followed by  massive increases in scoring for the second half. The past four matchups between these two teams in Tuscaloosa have gone under. I’m leaning the first half to start slow once again in this one.

Ole Miss vs Alabama Prediction: 1st Half Under 78.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to that number.

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