Alabama vs Oklahoma Odds, Picks: How to Bet This SEC/Big 12 Challenge Game

Alabama vs Oklahoma Odds, Picks: How to Bet This SEC/Big 12 Challenge Game article feature image
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Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images. Pictured: Brandon Miller (Alabama)

Alabama vs. Oklahoma Odds

Saturday, Jan. 28
2 p.m. ET
ESPN
Alabama Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-5.5
-120
146.5
-110o / -110u
-265
Oklahoma Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+5.5
-102
146.5
-110o / -110u
+215
Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute college basketball odds here.

The SEC-Big 12 challenge has given us a terrific lineup of games, and this matchup has the potential to be an interesting test for one of the SEC's best.

Alabama has been one of the fastest-rising teams in the country and will enter this game ranked second. The Crimson Tide have the best resume in the nation with several quality wins, and they are also undefeated in conference play.

Just that introduction alone should be intimidating to an Oklahoma team that has been beaten up in Big-12 play. The Sooners have dropped their past three games and are 2-6 against conference opponents.

Although, they have had four days at home to regroup and prepare for this matchup. Is that enough to buy low on the Oklahoma Sooners? Let's look at the odds.


Alabama Crimson Tide

What makes Alabama so dangerous on the offensive end of the floor is that it can beat you in multiple ways. The Crimson Tide will fire from deep early and often as they have the 14th-highest 3-point attempts per field-goal attempts ratio in the nation.

They are also excellent on the glass and their ferocious effort when it comes to offensive rebounding has led to many putbacks, and trips to the line. The Crimson Tide are 33rd in offensive rebounding rate, and 18th in free throws per field goals attempted ratio.

Brandon Miller is the man who can do it all for this team. He is not just the best freshman in the country, but also one of the nation's best players. Miller is averaging 19.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. He's also shooting 45% from beyond the arc.

In this matchup, Miller and company may benefit from taking a few steps in because the Sooners have been excellent at defending the 3. However, Oklahoma has allowed 41% of opponents points to come off close 2's, and the opposition has shot 56% from that range.

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Oklahoma Sooners

There has been a lid on the basket throughout Oklahoma's recent skid. The Sooners have posted an efficiency rating under 100 in each game and have been ice-cold from beyond the arc.

Alabama is not the team you want to face when you're struggling like the Sooners are. The Crimson Tide are fourth in adjusted defense efficiency and third in effective field goal percentage allowed.

It will be challenging for the Sooners to find quality looks, as they will have to contend with the size of Noah Clowney and Charles Bediako around the rim. If the Sooners are going to hang around in this matchup, they will need Grant Sherfield to carry them.

Sherfield is the X-factor for this club. He has the ability to score from anywhere, but he's been very cold lately, shooting 24% from the field over the past two games.


Alabama vs. Oklahoma Betting Pick

This is a tough spot to make a case for the Sooners. They have been cold offensively and will be outmatched on the defensive end of the floor.

While the Sooners could stifle the Crimson Tide early, I expect Alabama to adjust and find openings as the game progresses. The Crimson Tide will also give the Sooners a lot of trouble defensively.

Alabama has the size to contend with Tenner Groves on the inside and the perimeter defenders to contain Sherfield. In the end, Alabama should pull away.

Back the Crimson Tide to keep on rolling.

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About the Author
Doug Ziefel is a contributor for the Action Network. He specializes in College Fooball, College Basketball, and rooting for bad New York teams.

Follow Doug Ziefel @DougZiefel on Twitter/X.

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