NCAAB: #8 Maryland vs #1 Alabama Odds, and Picks (Mar 18)
- Maryland crept past West Virginia, 67-65, in a thriller.
- Alabama had no problem against Texas A&M CC, winning 96-75.
- These two teams last met on March 22, 2021, in a game that Alabama won 96-77.
Maryland (22-12) and Alabama (30-5) face off in the 2nd round once again. The Crimson Tide will be seeking a similar performance as last time, while the Terrapins will attempt to force an unexpected upset.
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How to Watch
- Where: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL
- When: Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 9:40 p.m ET
- How to Watch: TBS
Odds
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Game Preview
Maryland survived in a close back-and-forth game against West Virginia. The 2-point victory earned them a date with the #1 overall seed in the second round. The Terrapins faced a 2-seeded Alabama in the 2nd round just two years ago as a 10-seed, but were blown out. They’ll look to create a much different result this time around. Maryland will rely on their efficient backcourt and solid defense.
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Alabama cruised past 16-seed Texas A&M CC, as expected. They’ll now turn their focus to a date with a Maryland team that cannot be overlooked. The Crimson Tide team that defeated Maryland in the 2nd round in 2021 lost right after in the Sweet 16, so they’ll be seeking a different long-term outcome this time around. First, they must pass a Maryland team nearly beat Tennessee in December.
Picks
I’m a bit surprised that the spread is so large for this game, despite Alabama’s dominance. While the Crimson Tide could certainly win this game by double digits, it is far from guaranteed. In the tournament, games often wind up being much closer than expected, with blowouts being most common against the lowest seeds. I still see Alabama getting the win, but Maryland should be able to cover.
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Spread:
