The NCAA March Madness bracket top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide faces the Maryland Terrapins in the second round of March Madness action on Saturday afternoon. Playing at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL, both teams are ready to give it their all as they battle for the chance to move forward in the tournament.
The Terrapins, with an overall record of 22-12 this season, just won their Round One game, barely surviving past the ninth-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers. Meanwhile, their opponents from Alabama, with a remarkable win-loss record of 30-5 this season, knocked off the Texas A&M Islanders in the first round with little effort.
With a lot at stake and both teams determined to come out on top, in any Alabama vs Maryland prediction, these two NCAA basketball teams are going to put up an exciting game.
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Maryland Terrapins Odds
Alabama vs. Maryland Information
Alabama vs Maryland
Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL.
Date and Time: Saturday, March 18, 2023, 9:40 PM ET.
How to Watch: ESPN Sports
Updates for Alabama vs. Maryland
At the onset of the West Virginia game, the Terps exhibited a lackluster performance that was anything but impressive. However, the tables turned as the game progressed, and Maryland bounced back just enough to claim a hard-fought 67-65 victory. Though they had some difficulties with their outside shooting, the team persevered and focused on working inside the paint, ultimately producing a game-winning performance.
Jahmir Young, the transfer guard leading the Terrapins, has been instrumental in the team’s success with his impressive average of 16.1 points and a 42% shooting rate. At 6’2″, he possesses impressive agility and speed, which allows him to efficiently move toward the basket at just the right time. This has helped Maryland in the college basketball standings, and he’s going to have to work harder tomorrow.
How Alabama Improved Their Ball Possession
Throughout the current season and the NCAAB schedule, Alabama has, at times, encountered difficulties in maintaining ball possession. However, that ended in their Round One game, only letting up slightly in the second period. By that time, they had already built up an unreachable cushion of points, setting themselves up as the favorites in Alabama vs Maryland prediction.
The Crimson Tide won the SEC championship for a good reason. They missed a couple of steps along the way but made up for it with a strong performance at the end of the year, as well as through the tourney.
Although Alabama had a light entry into March Madness with its game against the Islanders, they can’t get comfortable. The Crimson Tide are about to face a tougher game and will need Brandon Miller to step up as they lead the March Madness picks.
Usually, a reliable source of points, the leader among college basketball players went scoreless in Round One and can’t repeat that on Saturday. Of course, he was a little distracted – it’s hard to play good ball when you have to be escorted by armed guards everywhere you go.
Alabama vs. Maryland Betting Preview
Looking at the NCAAB odds, Alabama enters this matchup as the moneyline favorite, with Maryland not having given the performance it should have in Round One.
Currently, this game tilts overwhelmingly in favor of the Crimson Tide, who have done almost everything right through the season and the start of March Madness. Neither team has serious issues on the college basketball injury report, which will make for a solid battle.
- Moneyline: Alabama (-300), Maryland (+365)
- Spread: Alabama -8.5 (-110), Maryland +8.5 (-110)
- Total points: Over 144.5 (-110), Under 144.5 (-110)
Alabama vs. Maryland Betting Prediction
For the Alabama vs Maryland prediction, in addition to rolling over the Islanders, The Tide are on a run that began late last season. They sit on top of the standings and continue to prove themselves each game.
Maryland only shot about 51% in their first game, which won’t get the job done in March Madness.
For the March Madness betting odds, although they’ll turn up the heat tomorrow, it still won’t be enough. Alabama wins and easily beats the spread.
Betting on this event:
We should be in for one of the better NCAA basketball games today.
When making NCAAB picks, bet on Alabama to cover the -8.5 betting spread at -110.
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