Alabama vs. Charleston odds, score prediction: 2024 NCAA Tournament picks, March Madness bets by proven model
Teams with similar styles meet in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament on Friday when the No. 4 seed Alabama Crimson Tide take on the No. 13 Charleston Cougars. Both teams like to get up and down the court and shoot a lot of 3-pointers. Alabama (21-11) tied for second in the SEC regular-season standings, while Charleston won both the CAA regular season and tournament titles.
Tipoff is set for 7:35 p.m. ET in Spokane, Wash. The latest Alabama vs. Charleston odds via SportsLine consensus list the Crimson Tide as 9-point favorites, while the over/under is 173. Before making any Charleston vs. Alabama picks, be sure to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven model.
The model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. It enters the 2024 NCAA tournament on a 148-106 roll on all top-rated college basketball picks dating back to last season, returning more than $1,700 for $100 players. It also has a strong 29-19 (+810) record on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Alabama vs. Charleston. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several college basketball odds and trends for Charleston vs. Alabama:
- Alabama vs. Charleston spread: Alabama -9
- Alabama vs. Charleston over/under: 173 points
- Alabama vs. Charleston money line: Alabama -462, Charleston +345
- BAMA: 18-14 ATS this season
- UVA: 9-7-2 ATS this season on extended rest
- Alabama vs. Charleston picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Alabama can cover
The Crimson Tide will have the best player on the floor in guard Mark Sears. The senior is averaging 21.1 points per game and is shooting 50.4% from the field, 86.1% from the free-throw line and 43.1% from 3-point range. He’s scored at least 22 points in his last six games.
Alabama is taking on a Charleston team that played a weak non-conference schedule. The Cougars played just one ranked team all season — then-No. 13 FAU on Dec. 2 — and lost by 16 points. In a matchup where both sides will want to play the same style, Alabama’s overall athleticism should give it a big edge. See which team to pick at SportsLine.
Why Charleston can cover
The Cougars don’t boast quite as impressive offense numbers as Alabama, but they can still score in bunches. Six players average 8.0 or more points per game, so it can be tough to defensively plan against this squad. Guard Reyne Smith leads the way 12.8 points per game, while forward Ante Brzovic averages 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Charleston enters the NCAA Tournament on a 12-game winning streak overall and it has covered in five of its last seven. Charleston made the NCAA Tournament last year as well and pushed San Diego State, a team that eventually went to the Final Four, to a close game, so the Cougars should be confident in their chances against the Tide. See which team to pick at SportsLine.
How to make Charleston vs. Alabama picks
The model is leaning Under on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 164 points. It also says one side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Alabama vs. Charleston, and which side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine right now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the computer model that is 29-19 on top-rated college basketball spread picks this season.
