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How and what to watch for No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 24 Oklahoma

The SEC/Big 12 Challenge gets started with one of the best games on the slate when the Crimson Tide and their 10-game winning streak head on the road to play Oklahoma after a big win.

By Erik Buchinger

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Alabama Crimson Tide forward Juwan Gary goes to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Coleman Coliseum. Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

One of the more underrated gems of the college basketball season is the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, and it will start with the No. 24 Oklahoma Sooners hosting the ninth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, January 30. The game will tip off at noon ET.

Alabama (14-3, 9-0 SEC) continues to put together a fantastic season in the second year under head coach Nate Oates. The Crimson Tide are coming off a win over the Kentucky Wildcats and are three games ahead of the rest of the pack in the SEC. Alabama won 10 in a row, and their last loss came on December 19 to Western Kentucky. The Crimson Tide are top 20 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency with balanced scoring across the roster as John Petty Jr. leads the way averaging 13.9 points per matchup.

Oklahoma (10-4, 6-3 Big 12) is hanging on to the back end of the top 25 and should move up in the rankings regardless of what happens on Saturday after a road win over the fifth-ranked Texas Longhorns earlier this week. Oklahoma’s leading scorer and senior guard Austin Reaves came up big with 23 points and clutch free throws in the victory. The Sooners check in at No. 19 in adjusted offensive efficiency and 40th on the defensive end.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

You can watch Alabama vs. Oklahoma on Saturday, January 30th at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2, or you can watch via the ESPN app with a cable or streaming service login. If you don’t have a cable login to access the ESPN app, you can get a free trial from YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, or Sling TV to stream it.

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Alabama -1
Point total: 154
Money line: Alabama -120, Oklahoma -103

  • Alabama is 12-3-1 against the spread in its last 16 road games and won four of its last five road games straight up.
  • The total went under in four of the last five matchups between these two teams.

The Best Bet

Both teams have shown enough firepower to consistently hit the 80’s on the offensive end. Expect that on Saturday with both ballclubs pushing each other to the limit.

Pick: Over 154

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