SIGN UP: Get the best player prop and game betting projections at BetAlytics. Use code "JUICE" for a special promo rate.
Sometimes you want to make a quick pit stop, empty the bladder, grab a bag of salty snacks and limber up the limbs before hitting the open road again. For the fast-minded who enjoy simple $2 scratchers hoping to uncover the jackpot-winning image, here are quick thoughts and the lean on Alabama vs. Missouri.
No. 4 Alabama (21-4, 10-2) at No. 15 Missouri (19-6, 8-4)
Date: Wednesday, February 19
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
The SEC is a snake pit filled with nothing but the venomous variety. Every night, squads walk a precarious line hoping not to meet an unfortunate end.
Alabama, after falling short in the biggest game in Dixie history against Auburn last Saturday, is praying coiled rattlers won’t strike.
The pick — SGP: Alabama +5.5, Game OVER 162.5 (+100, Caesars)
For the Crimson Tide to avoid consecutive losses, living by the 3-pointer is imperative. Under Nate Oats, Mark Sears and cohorts repeatedly empty the clip from outside. This season, over 46% of their shots have come from distance. When on, they’re lethal. When off, they’re loathsome.
Missouri has surpassed generally mundane expectations. Widely forecasted to be middling at best, the Tigers are No. 5 in a historically powerful league and are a projected No. 5 seed on the latest Bracket Big Board.
Overall, as the numbers nerds in attendance can attest, Mizzou is playing its best ball of the season.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans' latest NCAA Tournament projections ]
Since January 17, the Tigers are No. 6 on BartTorvik, ranking top-20 in adjusted offensive and adjusted defensive efficiency. Shooting 37.1% on 3s and generating 1.171 points per possession, they have developed into quite the scoring machine.
The number of daggers plunged along the perimeter is likely to decide the action in Columbia. If Caleb Grill and company can match Alabama’s marksmanship and hang tough on the glass, they will likely prevail. Dennis Gates’ guys certainly possess the size, shooters and fast-tempo mentality to compete in what’s sure to be a scoreboard-smoking game.
Overshadowed by SEC giants, Missouri looks to add a marquee resume win. However, ‘Bama’s ability to grab second chances should keep this one snug — if the triples drop.
Toss in the fact the Tide are 8-1 straight up away from Tuscaloosa this season, and the chances of breaking out of my betting funk increase.
Dodge fangs, Tide.
Season record: 18-21, -3.78 units