Louisiana Tech vs. Alabama Prediction and Odds: Will the Tide Roll on Opening Night?

The Alabama Crimson Tide were a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated in the Sweet 16, can they rebound this season and take another step under head coach Nate Oats?

Several key contributors are back like Jaden Shackelford, Jahvon Quinerly, and Keon Ellis, while Oates also inked JD Davison, a top 15 recruit in the country.

The team opens against formidable mid-major Louisiana Tech, who went 24-8 last season and posted a top 40 defense, per KenPom.

How should we handicap this opening matchup? Here are the odds courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Louisiana Tech vs. Alabama Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Louisiana Tech: +11.5
• Alabama: -11.5

Moneyline:

• Louisiana Tech: +460
• Alabama: -600

Total: 152.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

Louisiana Tech vs. Alabama Pick and Prediction

While many may rush to bet Alabama at this seemingly low number, I'm holding off.

Louisiana Tech brings back a shade under 65% of their minutes from last season and had one of the strongest defenses in Conference-USA. Nationally, the team was 26th in effective field goal percentage and 36th in defensive rebounding percentage.

La. Tech has several veterans back on the roster, Amorie Archibald and Isaiah Crawford to name a few, and will try and limit an explosive Alabama offense. I do credit Louisiana Tech quite a bit in this matchup, and Alabama had a top three defense last season.

I'm a bit nervous of playing it, but I see the most value on the under. It's worth mentioning that Alabama played at the 11th fastest tempo last season, but this total is sky high for an early season matchup that may see both teams shake off some rust and two strong defenses.

Pick: UNDER 152.5 (-105)