UConn vs Alabama Basketball Prediction & Picks: Will more Miller magic lead Tide past Huskies in Phil Knight Invitational?

Two of the most impressive college basketball results on Turkey Day saw UConn throttle Oregon and Alabama defeat Michigan State by double digits. Tonight, the two teams will face off in Portland with a place in the Phil Knight Invitational at stake.

In their 83-59 win over the Ducks, the Huskies hit a school-record 17 three-pointers, with Jordan Hawkins and Tristen Newton both making five apiece.

The Crimson Tide weren’t as prolific from outside, but they still put up 81 points in an 11-point win over Michigan State. Leading the way was fantastic freshman Brandon Miller, who scored 24 points and added nine rebounds and two blocks.

Both of these teams look like they have the capability to make a run in March, but which team will pick up a valuable win to add to their March Madness resume? Read on for our UConn vs Alabama prediction, along with the best bets for the game.

UConn Huskies vs Alabama Crimson Tide Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: #20 UConn Huskies (6-0) vs #18 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0)
• Venue & Location: Veterans Memorial Coliseum (Portland, Oregon)
• Date: Friday, November 25, 2022
• Game Time: 9:30 pm ET (6:30 pm local time)
• How to Watch UConn vs Alabama: ESPN

UConn vs Alabama Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline as of Friday, November 25, 2022, at 5:50 pm ET. This article may also include odds from our other recommended legal sports betting sites.

Spread

• UConn +1.5 (-114)
• Alabama -1.5 (-106)

Over/Under

• Over 148.5 (-110)
• Under 148.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• UConn -104
• Alabama -115

Will Perimeter Points Be Pivotal in Portland?

UConn’s school-record shooting performance in yesterday’s win over Oregon marked the third straight game and fourth overall this season that the Huskies hit 10+ threes and shot over 40 percent from outside.

For the season, they have made 38.7 percent of their threes, which seems a bit low given how well they have shot the ball in most of their games. But that percentage is dragged down by making a combined 11 of 47 shots in their wins over Stonehill and Buffalo.

While the Huskies are deadly from deep right now, Alabama’s been a bit more hit or miss, hitting 40% or better from outside twice in their five games.

Both teams defend the three well. Alabama’s opponents have made just 27.2 percent (28 of 103) of their threes, while UConn’s opponents have made 25.9 percent (22 of 85) of their outside shots.

For me, those numbers are far more ominous for Alabama. Their ups and downs from the perimeter–and with shooting the ball overall–were part of why they exited the NCAA Tournament early last season, so that is something to watch for tonight and beyond.

After making 21 threes in a win over Jacksonville State last Friday, the Tide were just 8 of 23 (34.8 percent) from three against the Spartans.

One player who’s currently absolved from any criticism is Miller, who continued his fantastic start with a big game against Michigan State.

Player Props for Brandon Miller vs UConn

Odds are via BetOnline.

Points

• Over 18.5 (-104)
• Under 18.5 (-122)

Rebounds

• Over 8.5 (+104)
• Under 8.5 (-135)

Made Threes

Since missing all six of his threes in his collegiate debut against Longwood, Miller is 19 of 30 (63.3 percent) from three. Against the Spartans, he was 4 for 7 from outside, 9 of 17 from the field overall, and 4 for 5 from the free-throw line. Can UConn put the clamps on him? If they do, they will likely move on to the final.

UConn vs Alabama Prediction and Picks

UConn vs Alabama Prediction: UConn to win

UConn vs Alabama Picks: UConn ML (Best Value: +100 at Bovada Sportsbook & BetMGM) & UConn team total over (Best Value: over 73.5 @ -115 at Bovada Sportsbook)

Even if Miller has another big game, my UConn vs Alabama prediction still favors the Huskies.

Perimeter percentages aside, Alabama’s performance against Michigan State was nothing short of outstanding, considering that the Spartans allowed just 64 points against Gonzaga and 62 against Kentucky in regulation.

But Miller aside, I don’t trust Alabama enough to feel confident that they will follow yesterday’s performance with another impressive performance against UConn, who has the talent and makeup to fiercely frustrate the Tide on both ends.

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