Camila Sosa
This Friday’s clash between Notre Dame and Alabama will be very tight: both are extremely competitive and even teams. The Fighting Irish just won an incredible game against the Rutgers in the first round of fours that ended after two overtimes. As for Alabama, the team had the time to rest after playing its last game on March 10th after a disastrous end of campaign in which they lost three consecutive games.
Picks and Predictions for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Alabama Crimson Tide 2022 NCAA Basketball Championship Round 1 – March 18
- Where: Viejas Arena – San Diego, California
- When: Friday, March 18, 4:15 PM ET
- Betting Line: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+4) vs Alabama Crimson Tide (-4)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Preview (Seeding #11)
- Overall Record: 23-10
- Conference Record: 15-5
- Spread: +4
- Over/Under: Over 152
- Moneyline: +160
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are experts at throwing triples, and there is not doubt that they will shoot a lot from long range against an Alabama team that defends the line of three like an average team. This ability, plus their ability to avoid ball losses to the attack, will be a key aspect when playing against Crimson Tide.
The Irish are also capable of playing a good defense. And, despite being a good team playing under the board and in the paint (Paul Atkinson and Nate Laszewski averaged more than six rebounds per game), they will need to do their best when measuring one of the nation’s best quintets in these matters.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview (Seeding #6)
- Overall Record: 19-13
- Conference Record: 9-9
- Spread: -4
- Over/Under: Over 152
- Moneyline: -180
Alabama did not have a dream campaign ending, but after a well-deserved rest, the Crimson Tide enter the commitment as slight favorites thanks to their ability to shoot triples and take many, many offensive rebounds that fill them with second chances. Jaden Schakelford is their offensive weapon, averaging 16.7 points per game and 35.6% on three-pointers, while under the board is Keon Ellis, who averaged six rebounds per game, and 58 of the 192 he added were offensive.
But, Alabama’s hesitations come from the defensive. They are a team that allows many free throws, and the Irish are good collectors from the line. The defense of the line of three is not the best in the nation either, which is another strong point of the attack of their rivals. In the internal game, they do not have many strong opponents, but the control of the ball and the long shots of Notre Dame can play a trick on them.
JefeBet Prediction
Alabama is considered the favorite for this one, and while they’re struggling defensively, it seems that Notre Dame will depend too much on their three-point shooting. The Crimson Tide’s ability on the glass will be too much for the Fighting Irish to handle.
