UConn vs. Alabama Odds, Picks, and Predictions

• Alabama has scored at least 89 points in three of its four NCAA Tournament games.

• UConn has held its four NCAA Tournament opponents to 58 points or less.

• UConn has won 11 games in a row, going 10-1 against the spread in those games.

The nightcap of Saturday’s Final Four features the Alabama Crimson Tide facing the Connecticut Huskies. These two programs aren’t exactly cut from the same cloth. The Crimson Tide is in the Final Four for the first time in program history. Meanwhile, the Huskies are in their seventh Final Four with their first coming in 1999. Of their six previous Final Four appearances, the Huskies were crowned champions five times, including last year. That is obviously a clear distinction between these two programs heading into Saturday’s national semifinal.

Sports Betting Promos for UConn vs. Alabama

It doesn’t get much bigger than the Final Four, especially for bettors. However, you don’t want to rush into making a big bet like this. First, you’ll want to explore several sportsbooks. No two sportsbooks are the same when it comes to the features, odds, or March Madness welcome bonuses. Make sure you do your homework before placing a bet on the Final Four.

UConn vs. Alabama Prediction and Odds

UConn Prediction

Calling the Huskies a juggernaut would almost be underselling them. Dan Hurley’s team is 35-3 following its Big East Tournament title and four wins in the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies are now in the midst of an 11-game winning streak and are 10-1 against the spread during that stretch.

The Huskies are as deep as they get with five players averaging double figures. Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer headline the backcourt, combining for 29.4 points per game. Newton is not only the leading scorer but also averages 6.1 assists per game, helping to set up Spencer, who shoots 44% from three-point range. 

UConn also has star power in the frontcourt with Alex Karaban and Donovan Clingan. Karaban is a true three-level scorer who shoots just under 50% from the field and 38% from the perimeter. Clingan, meanwhile,  is a menace at both ends, averaging 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. On top of being part of UConn’s dynamic offense, he also anchors a suffocating defense that has held all four of UConn’s tournament opponents to 58 points or less.

Alabama Prediction

If we rewind the clock just a few weeks, the Crimson Tide was in a little bit of trouble. Alabama lost four of its last six games heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Crimson Tide was also 1-6 against the spread in its last seven games before the Big Dance. But they have turned things around, winning four games and going 4-0 against the spread.

Defensively, Alabama faced a world of questions heading into the tournament. Those questions haven’t exactly been answered with the Tide allowing over 80 points in three of their four games. But the potent Alabama offense has more than made up for it, scoring at least 89 points in three of their four games. Floor general Mark Sears has led the way, averaging 24.3 points per game in the Big Dance after averaging 21.5 points per game during the season.

Naturally, Sears has gotten plenty of help. Despite the Tide being a little banged up, Aaron Estrada and Rylan Griffen have both stepped up to form a dynamic backcourt. Meanwhile, big man Grant Nelson has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament - when he's not been in foul trouble - most notably in a 24-point, 12-rebound performance in the Sweet 16.

UConn vs. Alabama Pick

Is this finally the game when Alabama’s porous defense catches up with the Crimson Tide or is this the game when UConn finally faces a team that can hang with the Huskies for 40 minutes? This is the type of question that comes with DraftKings making UConn an 11.5-point favorite in the Final Four. Perhaps the answer to both questions can be yes. Alabama’s defense likely takes away any serious chance the Crimson Tide has of winning. But at the same time, the Tide has faced teams with quality defenses and had success. The Huskies are too good to lose, but the spread is too big to cover against the Tide, so look for the Crimson Tide to make this a respectable loss and beat the spread.

• My Pick: Alabama +11.5 (-108) DraftKings Sportsbook

How to Watch UConn vs. Alabama

• When: 8:49 PM EST on Saturday, April 6

• Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

• TV: TBS