Florida A&M Rattlers vs Alabama State Hornets Betting Preview
The Florida A&M Rattlers head to Montgomery to face the Alabama State Hornets in a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. Florida A&M enters with a 7-11 record and looks to rebound after a close loss to Alabama A&M, while Alabama State aims to defend its home court after falling to Bethune-Cookman. With the Hornets favored by 2.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Florida A&M’s perimeter shooting and Alabama State’s scoring depth.
Line Movement and Odds
Alabama State is favored, but Florida A&M’s recent competitiveness makes this line worth tracking. Current market:
- Florida A&M Spread: +2.5 (-111)
- Alabama State Spread: -2.5 (-113)
- Florida A&M MoneyLine: +120
- Alabama State MoneyLine: -150
- Total: 144.5 (-110)
Check the college basketball odds for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Alabama State’s home-court strength against Florida A&M’s ability to keep games close.
Matchup Breakdown
Florida A&M Outlook
The Rattlers average 69.5 points per game, with Tyler Shirley, Jordan Chatman, and Jaquan Sanders leading the offense. Shirley’s 16 points and 9 rebounds vs Alabama A&M highlighted his consistency, while Sanders’ 38.7% three-point shooting showcased his efficiency. Florida A&M’s efficiency (7-11 overall record; 2-9 on the road; 155th nationally in possessions per game) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and compete in close games makes them dangerous even as underdogs.
Alabama State Outlook
The Hornets average 74.3 points per game, with Asjon Anderson, Tyler Byrd, and Micah Simpson driving production. Anderson’s 16.9 points per game highlight his consistency, while Byrd’s shooting adds balance. Alabama State’s efficiency (6-15 overall record; 2-4 at home; 95 points scored vs Prairie View A&M earlier this season) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and defend at home makes them tough to beat in Montgomery.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on perimeter shooting and tempo. Florida A&M thrives on Sanders’ scoring and Shirley’s rebounding, while Alabama State must rely on Anderson’s hot hand and Simpson’s consistency to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
Florida A&M: The Rattlers report no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday’s contest.
Alabama State: The Hornets are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
The Dunn-Oliver Acadome has been a steady venue for Alabama State, where they’ve gone 2-4 this season. Florida A&M, however, has shown resilience with seven wins overall, making this a clash of Hornets’ home grit versus Rattlers’ perimeter firepower.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Florida A&M 70, Alabama State 68
- Florida A&M +2.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and three-point shooting suggest they can keep the game close and potentially win outright.
- Under 144.5 → Total play. Both teams’ lower shooting percentages point toward a combined score below the line.
Florida A&M’s depth and perimeter shooting should carry them to victory, while Alabama State’s home-court energy keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans lower-scoring, with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
SWAC games often spotlight tempo mismatches and free-throw margins. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in mid-major conference trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Florida A&M vs Alabama State, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.


