Clemson vs. Alabama Prediction: Can Tigers Shut Down Grant Nelson, Crimson Tide in Elite Eight?
Clemson vs. Alabama Prediction: Can Tigers Shut Down Grant Nelson, Crimson Tide in Elite Eight?
Alabama and Clemson meet on the first night of the Elite Eight in a matchup from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Alabama has beaten Charleston, Grand Canyon, and North Carolina to get this chance to make the Final Four. On the other side, Clemson has beat New Mexico, Baylor, and Arizona to get here. So who will win the west and represent the region in the Final Four?
Clemson vs. Alabama DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: March 30, 2024
- Start Time: 8:49 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Clemson vs. Alabama ODDS
- Spread: Clemson +3.5 (-108), Alabama -3.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 164.5 (-110), U 164.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Clemson (+135), Alabama (-160)
Clemson vs. Alabama Prediction
Alabama was in a nailbiter with North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen, narrowly winning by two points. Grant Nelson was on fire last game, scoring a team-high 24 points and getting to the line for 13 free throws, making 10 of them. The team shot 42% from three, shooting 11–26 behind the perimeter. Their offense has remained hot throughout the tournament, which they will need to do again to get past Clemson. Clemson has caught fire at the right time after losing the first round of the ACC tournament to Boston College. They are coming off back-to-back impressive wins over Baylor in Arizona while scoring 77 against the two-seed in their region. Clemson shot 61.8% from inside the perimeter against Arizona and was able to limit their turnovers. Arizona shot just 17% from three, which was the difference at the end of the day in a pretty close game.
The key for this game is defense, and Clemson has a much better defense. Alabama is one of the most electric offenses in the nation, as they shoot threes in transition and can score from just about anywhere, but they rank outside the top 100 in defensive efficiency per KenPom. They are the last team standing in the tournament that is outside the top 100 in defensive efficiency. At the end of the day, a team as loose on defense like Alabama is one I do not see going to the final four. Clemson has been able to post back-to-back wins over two electric offenses, giving up just 64 and 72 points in those respective games. If they can force some tough shots on the perimeter from Alabama, they should be able to come out of this game and make it to the final four.
Clemson vs. Alabama Pick
Pick: Clemson +3.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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Article Author
Ben Rajavuori is a handicapper out of Minneapolis, MN. He has been creating sports content for almost four years now and is an expert in all things NFL, MLB, NBA, UFC, and NCAAB. Ben thrives on diving deep into statistics to find the best angle on every bet. You can follow him on Twitter @WeBeatTheSpread.