Sam Houston Bearkats vs Alabama Crimson Tide Predictions

Prediction

Alabama is the likely winner Tuesday in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide went 25-10 and reached the Sweet 16 last season, while Sam Houston finished 22-12 and lost in the first round of the NIT. Still, Alabama's -10000 moneyline offers too little return to justify a wager.

Personnel and betting outlook

CBS Sports / Associated Press reports that Alabama guard Aden Holloway will miss the opener while completing a suspension and freshman guard Anderson Diaz is out with an elbow injury. Returning starter Amari Allen provides some continuity, but probable starters and full availability haven't been confirmed. That uncertainty makes Alabama -26.5 difficult to support.

Sam Houston returns Justin Begg and Jacobe Coleman, who averaged 9.5 and 8.7 points per game last season. Begg played only 22 games after an ankle injury, and the Bearkats must replace Jacob Walker's 11.5 points per game after his transfer to Oklahoma State. Those personnel details don't provide enough information to project the 171.5 total without current pace or efficiency data.

Pass on the moneyline, spread and total. The listed 50-50 betting split is a default value, so it doesn't provide evidence of public support for either team.