The Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-7, 1-6 SEC) attempt to take down the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (17-2, 7-0) in Tuscaloosa Wednesday. Tip-off from Coleman Coliseum is at 9 p.m. ET (SEC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Mississippi State vs. Alabama school odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
While Kansas was losing its 3rd game in a row over the weekend and Houston was losing to Temple, Alabama was remaining steady with an 85-64 win at Missouri Saturday to jump up to the No. 2 spot in the rankings. This will be a matchup of strengths as the 9th-ranked Alabama offense (84.1 points per game) will be going against the 6th-ranked Mississippi State defense (58.3 points allowed per game).
Alabama lives and dies by the long ball despite shooting just 34.6% (149th) from beyond the arc. Although the Bulldogs’ scoring defense is good, their 32.2% 3-point defense ranks just 126th and this is an area where the Tide can exploit a small weakness. Mississippi State has struggled to score this season, ranking 330th nationally with just 64.9 points per game — almost 20 points per game fewer than Alabama.
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Mississippi State at Alabama odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:50 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Mississippi State +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | Alabama -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Mississippi State +11.5 (-110) | Alabama -11.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Mississippi State at Alabama picks and predictions
Prediction
Alabama 76, Mississippi State 62
Moneyline
PASS.
Mississippi State has struggled since entering SEC play. A road game in Tuscaloosa is not going to help them get on the winning side and -850 is far too high to wager on Alabama. Stay away.
Against the spread
BET ALABAMA -11.5 (-110).
Alabama will get up and down the floor on Mississippi State. Using the 3-point shot it will be able to pull away from a Bulldogs squad that is not well-equipped to defend. This game could get ugly and it could happen early. Alabama is looking to take over the No. 1 ranking with any slip-up from Purdue. This will have them focused and ready to remain unbeaten in SEC play.
Over/Under
UNDER 142.5 (-110) is the play.
Despite the Bulldogs having the 6th-ranked defense, Alabama will be able to push the tempo. However, the issue is that the Bulldogs’ offense will be unable to keep up.
Even if this game ends with Alabama in the 80s, it could be tough for this game to get to the total. If the total drops below 142, I would consider a change, but for now, lean Under.
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