Saint Mary’s Gaels vs Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction – 3/23/2025

The NCAA Tournament's second round brings an intriguing contest between the Saint Mary's Gaels and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 6:10 p.m. Eastern Time in Cleveland, Ohio, this game features a clash of contrasting styles that promises to captivate basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Saint Mary's Gaels vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Game Preview

Alabama enters the matchup as the No. 2 seed in the East Region, boasting a 26-8 record. The Crimson Tide's high-octane offense leads the nation with an average of 91.1 points per game, complemented by a 48.5% field goal percentage. Their recent 90-81 victory over Robert Morris highlighted their scoring prowess, with standout performances from Mark Sears, who contributed 22 points and 10 assists, and Grant Nelson, who, despite a knee injury, added valuable minutes down the stretch.

In contrast, the No. 7 seed Saint Mary's Gaels (29-5) are renowned for their disciplined, deliberate style of play. They average 73.1 points per game while allowing just 60.5, ranking them fourth nationally in points allowed. Their recent 59-56 win over Vanderbilt showcased their defensive tenacity and rebounding strength, with Mitchell Saxen securing 11 rebounds and making critical plays in the final moments.

Betting Insights

As of the latest lines, Alabama is favored by 5.5 points, with a moneyline of -225, while Saint Mary's stands at +185. The over/under for the game is set at 149 points.

Key betting trends to consider:

• Saint Mary's has won 9 of their last 10 games but is 3-7 against the spread (ATS) in that span.
• The total has gone under in 8 of Saint Mary's last 10 games.
• Alabama is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games, with the total going over in 4 of their last 5 contests.

Saint Mary's Gaels vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Prediction

This matchup presents a classic contrast between Alabama's fast-paced, high-scoring offense and Saint Mary's methodical, defense-oriented approach. The outcome may hinge on which team can impose its style of play.

Alabama's offensive firepower, led by Mark Sears (18.8 points and 5 assists per game) and Grant Nelson (11.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game), poses a significant challenge for any defense. ([iheart.com](https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-03-22-alabama-vs-saint-marys-ca-predictions-ncaa-tournament/?utm_source=openai)) However, Saint Mary's disciplined defense and rebounding prowess, spearheaded by Augustas Marciulionis (14.2 points and 6 assists per game) and Mitchell Saxen (10.7 points and 8 rebounds per game), could disrupt Alabama's rhythm.

Considering the betting lines and recent performances, Alabama's ability to score in bunches and their experience in high-pressure games give them an edge. While Saint Mary's defense is formidable, the Crimson Tide's offensive depth and tempo may prove overwhelming. Therefore, the prediction leans towards Alabama covering the 5.5-point spread, with the total points likely exceeding 149, given both teams' recent scoring trends.

Final Prediction: Alabama 80, Saint Mary's 74

For more on today's game check out the comprehensive statistics, betting odds, and trends below. Be sure to check out all our free NCAABB picks here.