The Yale Bulldogs take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, AL. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
Alabama is favored by -16.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -2500. The total is set at 176.5 points.
Here’s my Yale vs. Alabama predictions and college basketball picks for December 29, 2025.
Yale vs Alabama Prediction
My Pick: Over 176.5 (Play to 178)
My Yale vs Alabama best bet is on the over. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Yale vs. Alabama Odds
| Yale Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+16.5 -110 | 176.5 -110 / -110 | +1250 |
| Alabama Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-16.5 -110 | 176.5 -110 / -110 | -2500 |
- Yale vs Alabama spread: Alabama -16.5
- Yale vs Alabama over/under: 176.5 points
- Yale vs Alabama moneyline: Yale +1250, Alabama -2500
Yale vs Alabama College Basketball Betting Preview
Yale Basketball
Yale is unquestionably one of the top mid-major squads in America. The Bulldogs are 11-1, but this is the toughest game on their schedule. Akron is the other top-100 team on Yale's schedule, and that resulted in a 97-94 win for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs reached the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons, with an equally reliable offense and defense leading the way.
However, things are a bit different this season. The offense is one of the best in the country (20th in offensive efficiency). And that's been a must, as Yale is down to 219th in defensive efficiency.
Expect a very cerebral offensive approach from the Bulldogs, as they sit 286th in adjusted tempo.
Point forward Nick Townsend is a total stud, leading Yale with 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He sets everything up for the Bulldogs' offense, and they shoot 44% from downtown.
Yale only attempts 3s on 33% of its field goals, but it makes the most of the ones it takes.
The trio of Riley Fox, Jordan Brathwaite and Trevor Mullin are perimeter marksmen. Fox only plays 18 minutes a night, but he averages 12 points and shoots 43% from deep. Mullin is the other ball-handler next to Townsend, as he dishes out 3.3 assists per game.
Believe it or not, Yale will have the advantage on the boards in this one. Alabama isn't known for battering the glass, and Yale is a bit bigger on the interior. The Bulldogs start four players 6-foot-6 or taller, with Isaac Celiscar being a very deceiving 6-foot-6 (he plays way bigger).
Keep an eye on Samson Aletan. The uber-athletic big could serve as a deterrent for Alabama's driving guards, and he'll be a beast on the boards.
Alabama Basketball
Alabama is truly embracing Nate Oats' style of basketball more than ever this season. The Crimson Tide scored 90+ points in all but three games (Arizona, Gonzaga, Purdue). Those are top-20 defenses, and two are top-five defenses.
Oats is all about shooting and getting efficient interior looks. Alabama is letting it fly from deep more than usual, attempting 3s on 52% of its field goals. It also connects on 35% of them, so it's no surprise that it's third in offensive efficiency.
This season, Alabama is handling the ball better than usual. In recent campaigns, the Crimson Tide had turnover issues. That's a thing of the past, though, as they turn the ball over 13.7% of the time — by far the lowest of the Oats era.
Everything circles back to Labaron Philon Jr. The sophomore guard has been brilliant, averaging 21 points and 5.6 assists per game. He's also super efficient, shooting 55% from the field and 42% from deep. And he also rarely turns it over.
He's the primary reason for Alabama being a creme-of-the-crop offense.
The backcourt isn't just Philon, though. Defenses also have to account for Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Houston Mallette and now, Jalil Bethea. All of those five can drill shots from deep and are players that defenses have to keep an extra eye on.
On the downside, Alabama is just 63rd in defensive efficiency. The Tide are 70th in 2-point defense and 102nd in 3-point defense. Neither is great, but rebounding is the real issue, as Alabama ranks 287th in defensive rebounding rate.
Yale vs. Alabama Betting Analysis
I know, the total is super high, but it's high for a reason.
We can chalk Alabama up for at least 90 points, right? It's crossed that mark in 9-of-12 games.
I'm expecting Alabama to get close to 100 here, which means Yale has to get in the mid-70s/low-80s range.
That feels very possible since Yale can create extra possessions on the glass.
The Bulldogs will look to slow it down, but this is probably a double-digit win for Alabama, so the Tide will have to play faster eventually.
My Pick: Over 176.5 (Play to 178)
