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Alabama vs North Dakota Week 1 Betting Preview
No. 15 Alabama tips off its season Monday night at Coleman Coliseum against North Dakota, looking to build on last year’s Elite Eight run. Nate Oats’ roster features new pieces around returning guards Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway, both expected to anchor an up-tempo offense.
The Crimson Tide handled the Fighting Hawks 97-90 in last year’s meeting, but Alabama bettors remember how close that game stayed until the final two minutes. This time, Alabama’s depth and pace should be on display from the opening tip.
You can review more upcoming matchups and projections on the college basketball previews page
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest college basketball odds, Alabama opened as a -27.5 favorite with the total set at 159.5. Early sharp money pushed the number slightly higher to -28.5, while public bets lean toward the over.
The moneyline sits near Alabama -8000 / North Dakota +2000, with books reporting two-thirds of early tickets on the home favorite.
Check for live updates on the NCAA basketball picks and lines before tipoff.
Matchup Breakdown
Alabama Outlook:
The Tide lost stars Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, and Chris Youngblood, but Oats reloaded quickly. Philon returns after averaging 10.6 points as a freshman, and Holloway looks more confident as a sophomore after hitting 87 threes last season. Transfers Houston Mallette and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. are both healthy and add perimeter scoring.
Defensively, Alabama must tighten up after allowing 80.2 points per game last season. Expect more switching and rebounding emphasis early as the rotation settles.
North Dakota Outlook:
Coach Paul Sather has a rebuild on his hands after losing top scorer Treysen Eaglestaff (18.9 ppg) to West Virginia and multiple key transfers. Veteran guard Eli King returns to lead a younger lineup that’s still learning the system. The Fighting Hawks struggled on the glass last year, ranking near the bottom of the Summit League in rebound rate and defensive efficiency.
Injuries and Conditions
Alabama Injury Report:
- Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Achilles – full participant, expected to play
- Houston Mallette, knee – available after missing 2024-25 season
North Dakota Injury Report:
- No major injuries reported
Track updates on the Alabama injury report and North Dakota injury report before wagering.
Weather won’t be a factor with the game indoors in Tuscaloosa.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Alabama tends to start fast at home, going 8-3 ATS in its last 11 season openers. North Dakota has covered in only two of its past seven against Power Conference opponents.
Projected Score: Alabama 95, North Dakota 61
Best Bet: Alabama -28.5
Secondary Lean: Under 160
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Find more betting analysis and expert breakdowns on the leaderboard and grab premium selections from service plays. You can also follow free insights on our NCAA basketball picks and betting tips from the Bettors Handbook
