Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: Hofstra vs Alabama Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 20)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Pride won the CAA Championship to punch their first ticket since 2001.
- The Crimson Tide secured an At-Large bid to the Big Dance.
- This marks the first all-time matchup between the two squads.
Another unique battle steps onto the hardwood as the Hofstra Pride take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first round in the NCAA Tournament. The latter come out as the solid favorite, paving the way for a great game to go down between these two squads.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, March 20, 3:10 pm ET
- Where: Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, Georgia
- How to Watch: truTV
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hofstra | -110 | +12 | O159.5 |
| Alabama | -110 | -12 | U159.5 |
Game Preview
The Pride (24-10) stand tall as CAA Champions, taking down William & Mary, Towson and Monmouth to qualify for their first Big Dance since 2001. Cruz Davis and Preston Edmead lead the attack for Hofstra. Davis won the CAA Player of the Year Award after averaging 20.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game this season. Edmead earned the CAA Rookie of the Year and the CAA Championship Most Outstanding Player Awards, producing 15.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
The Crimson Tide (23-9) obtained an At-Large bid to the NCAA Tournament despite falling to Ole Miss in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. They last reached the Final Four in 2024, hoping to return to those heights this year. First Team All-SEC selection Labaron Philon Jr. is Alabama’s top player, averaging 21.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Amari Allen, an All-SEC Freshman Team selection, averages 11.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
Hofstra vs Alabama Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 155 meetings in their history, and the result is 101-54 for the Crimson Tide. The last matchup was in February 2025 when Alabama won 90-69 at home.
Hofstra vs Alabama Predictions
The winner of the Hofstra/Alabama game will take on the winner of the No. 6 Texas Tech/No. 12 Akron game on Sunday in the second round. Alabama possesses the better talent on both sides of the ball as Hofstra will have to disrupt the momentum of their opposing counterpart. Labaron Philon will have to deliver a big game as the Crimson Tide seek their spot in the next round. Our betting pick here is the Crimson Tide to defend a 12-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Alabama Crimson Tide -12
NCAAB
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