Alabama Crimson Tide vs Duke Blue Devils Prediction – 3/29/2025

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Duke Blue Devils are set to clash in the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 8:49 pm Eastern Time at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This highly anticipated game features two of the nation's most potent offenses, promising an electrifying contest for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Duke Blue Devils Game Preview

Alabama enters the matchup with a 28-8 overall record, including a 13-5 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Crimson Tide have been formidable on neutral courts, boasting a 7-2 record in such settings this season. Their recent performance includes a commanding 113-88 victory over BYU in the Sweet 16, where they set an NCAA Tournament record by sinking 25 three-pointers. Guard Mark Sears was instrumental in that game, scoring 34 points and dishing out eight assists.

Duke, on the other hand, holds an impressive 34-3 overall record, with a dominant 19-1 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Blue Devils have also excelled on neutral courts, matching Alabama's 7-2 record. In their Sweet 16 matchup, Duke secured a 100-93 win over Arizona, led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, who contributed 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

Both teams are known for their high-scoring offenses. Alabama leads the nation with an average of 91.4 points per game, while Duke is not far behind, averaging 83.6 points per game. Defensively, Duke has the edge, allowing only 62.5 points per game compared to Alabama's 81.2 points allowed per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, sportsbooks have set the following lines for the game:

• Point Spread: Duke favored by 7.5 points
• Over/Under: 173.5 points

These lines reflect the expectation of a high-scoring affair, given both teams' offensive prowess. Bettors should consider the following trends:

• Alabama has a 4-1 record against the spread (ATS) in their last five games against ACC opponents.
• Duke has a 2-4 ATS record as a neutral court favorite of 6.5 to 12 points.
• The total has gone over in 14 of Alabama's 21 games as an underdog this season.

These trends suggest that while Duke is favored, Alabama has been competitive against strong opponents, and high-scoring games are common for both teams.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Duke Blue Devils Prediction

Considering the offensive capabilities of both teams, this Elite Eight matchup is poised to be a high-scoring and closely contested game. Duke's defense has been more consistent throughout the season, which could provide them with a slight advantage. However, Alabama's recent shooting performance, particularly from beyond the arc, indicates they are peaking at the right time.

Given the current point spread of Duke -7.5, betting on Alabama to cover the spread appears to be a prudent choice. The Crimson Tide's ability to score in bunches and their recent form suggest they can keep the game within a close margin. Additionally, with the over/under set at 173.5 points, the high-scoring nature of both teams makes the over a compelling option.

In conclusion, while Duke may have the edge in terms of overall record and defensive statistics, Alabama's explosive offense and recent performances make them a formidable opponent. Bettors should consider Alabama to cover the spread and the total points to go over in what promises to be an exhilarating Elite Eight showdown.