The upcoming college basketball showdown between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide is set to take place on November 24, 2025, at 9:30 PM UTC at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Both teams have demonstrated strong performances early in the season, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
Team Analysis
Gonzaga Bulldogs
- Season Overview and Recent Form
The Gonzaga Bulldogs enter this game with an undefeated record of 5-0. Their recent performances have been impressive, including a dominant 122-50 victory over Southern Utah, where they showcased their offensive prowess by shooting 68% from the field and dominating the paint with 66 points. Additionally, they outrebounded Southern Utah 44-26 and capitalized on turnovers, scoring 27 points off 23 turnovers.
Under the leadership of head coach Mark Few, who boasts a 744-152 record at Gonzaga, the Bulldogs have maintained a strong presence in the West Coast Conference, finishing second last season with a 14-4 record. They secured the WCC Tournament title but faced an early exit in the NCAA Tournament’s second round.
- Key Players
– Graham Ike: The senior forward has been a standout, averaging 17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. His presence in the paint is crucial for the Bulldogs’ success.
– Braden Huff: A 6-10 redshirt junior, Huff has been instrumental in the frontcourt, providing both scoring and defensive support.
– Tyon Grant-Foster: A senior wing transfer from Grand Canyon, Grant-Foster has contributed significantly, averaging 14.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Alabama Crimson Tide
- Season Overview and Recent Form
The Alabama Crimson Tide hold a 3-1 record, with their most recent victory being a 90-86 win over Illinois. In that game, sophomore guard LaBaron Philon Jr. led the team with 24 points, two rebounds, and five assists, highlighting his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Under head coach Nate Oats, Alabama has been known for its high-paced, three-point heavy offense. They rank second nationally in adjusted tempo, averaging 35.3 three-point attempts per game, and have connected on 13 and 16 three-pointers in their last two games against Purdue and Illinois, respectively.
- Key Players
– LaBaron Philon Jr.: A dynamic scorer, Philon has been averaging 20.5 points per game, serving as the team’s primary offensive weapon.
– Aden Holloway: An efficient playmaker and active defender, Holloway has been instrumental in orchestrating Alabama’s offense.
– Grant Nelson: A versatile forward, Nelson contributes both offensively and defensively, averaging 7.6 rebounds per game.
Key Matchup Factors
- Head-to-Head History
In their previous encounters, Alabama has secured victories over Gonzaga, with scores of 100-90 on December 17, 2022, and 91-82 on December 4, 2021.
- Important Player Matchups
– Graham Ike vs. Grant Nelson: Both players are pivotal in their respective teams’ frontcourts. Ike’s scoring and rebounding will be tested against Nelson’s versatility and defensive presence.
– Braden Huff vs. Alabama’s Perimeter Defense: Huff’s ability to stretch the floor and contribute from the perimeter will be crucial, especially against Alabama’s aggressive three-point defense.
- Key Injuries and News
As of now, there are no significant injury reports affecting key players for either team.
- Home/Away Performance
The game will be held at a neutral site in Las Vegas, providing an even playing field for both teams.
Betting Analysis
- Spread Analysis
The current spread favors Gonzaga by 3.5 points. Considering their undefeated record and strong performances, they are slight favorites. However, Alabama’s high-scoring offense and previous victories over Gonzaga suggest a closely contested game.
- Total (Over/Under) Analysis
The over/under is set at 174.5 points. Both teams have potent offenses, with Alabama averaging 90.7 points per game last season and Gonzaga scoring 86.4 points per game. However, Gonzaga’s improved defense this season, ranking fifth in adjusted defensive efficiency, may lead to a lower-scoring game than anticipated.
- Best Value Opportunities
– Under 174.5 Points: Given Gonzaga’s defensive improvements and Alabama’s tendency to rely on three-point shooting, the under presents value.
– Graham Ike Over 8.5 Rebounds: Ike’s rebounding prowess, especially against a team like Alabama that can struggle on the boards, makes this a favorable prop bet.
- Prediction
This matchup is expected to be closely contested, with both teams possessing strengths that could lead to a high-scoring affair. However, Gonzaga’s defensive capabilities and balanced offense may give them a slight edge.
- Final Pick
Gonzaga to cover the -3.5 spread. While Alabama’s offense is formidable, Gonzaga’s defensive improvements and overall team cohesion are likely to secure them a narrow victory.
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