Alabama vs Missouri Odds, Picks: Second-Half Play to Target

Alabama vs Missouri Odds

Saturday, Jan. 21

6 p.m. ET

SEC Network

Alabama Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
-4.5 -110	162.5 -110o / -110u	-192

Missouri Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
+4.5 -110	162.5 -110o / -110u	+158

Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute college basketball odds here.

No. 4 Alabama stays on the road on Saturday in the SEC to play Missouri as it looks to remain perfect and at the top of the conference standings.

The Crimson Tide have cruised to their 6-0 record in the SEC, entering this game with only two losses on the season.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have stumbled in conference action so far, but they have shown to be a very different team at Mizzou Arena.

With a pair of the top offenses in the country that play at high tempos, this has the opportunity to be one of the more entertaining matchups of Saturday’s slate.

Alabama Crimson Tide

When you study Alabama, this has the look of one of the most complete teams in the nation, and it's showing in the recent results.

The Crimson Tide own an average margin of victory of 21 points per game in their six SEC victories, while also covering the spread in all of those games.

The advanced metrics are also fantastic for Nate Oats’ team, as the Tide are joined by Connecticut and Houston as the only three schools to rank inside the top 15 in both AdjO and AdjD, according to Bart Torvik.

Alabama is also in the top 10 in multiple defensive categories, including EFG% (3rd), 2-point defense (1st) and opponent 3-point shooting percentage (7th).

Once you add in the fact that the Crimson Tide are also averaging 84.7 points per game in conference play, this is not a team that anyone is excited to play at the moment.

Missouri Tigers

While there are many opponents Missouri would rather play right now, this is still a huge opportunity for the Tigers to improve their NCAA tournament resume, which they do not have many better chances remaining on the schedule.

Dennis Gates’ squad has No. 12 Iowa State, No. 9 Tennessee and No. 16 Auburn upcoming on the schedule, and every game will be vital for a team that is outside the top 50 in the NET Rankings.

Luckily for the Tigers, this contest is at Mizzou Arena, where they are 10-1 on the year and averaging 90 points per game.

The high scoring has been the calling card for success under Gates.

On the season, Missouri is in the top 10 in the nation in AdjO (8th), EFG% (10th) and 2-point shooting (4th). Senior Kobe Brown (15.8 PPG) and guard D’Moi Hodge (14.9) are one of the best duos in the SEC, and they will need to lead the way to secure a huge win in this one.

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Alabama vs Missouri Betting Pick

I can’t advise anyone to take an over with a total set at 163.5, but I’m also not running to the window to bet the under in a game between these two teams.

There is a better way to attack this that offers the best betting value.

My best bet is to take the second half to fly over the total at around 86 once it's posted.

Starting with Missouri, the Tigers’ home games in the SEC have averaged 92.3 points per game in the second half, while the opening periods have only had 69.7 points.

This is also the same team that has allowed each conference opponent to score 40-plus points after halftime.

As for visitors, the Crimson Tide have scored over 40 points in every second half in SEC play, averaging 44.5 points an evening. The game script will always point towards a lot of points after the break.

With both teams inside the top 15 in AdjO and top 40 in tempo, the squad that is in the lead will have to continue to score at a high clip to secure the win, which could lead to a back-and-forth second half.

Make sure you are tuned in for any live opportunities, especially if the first 10 minutes start slow.

Pick: 2H Over