The Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes face off on Friday in a college basketball showdown at The Arena at NW Florida State. Let’s have a look at our Alabama vs Ohio State Prediction.

Ohio State Looks for Third Straight Win

Ohio State has won two games in a row, but this is going to be a much bigger test for them. In the last game against Western Michigan, Ohio State scored 73 points but even better was the defense that gave up 56 points. Jamison Battle finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Ohio State on the season is averaging 73.5 points while their defense is giving up 63.5 points per game. The defense is ranked 59th and they are going to need the defense to step up in a big way here. 

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Is Alabama a National Title Contender?

The big question for Alabama is if they are a national title contender, and this game is the first real test. In the last game against Mercer, Alabama scored 98 points and they won in blowout fashion. On the season Alabama is averaging 101.8 points while their defense is giving up 66.5 points per game. The offense is the best in college basketball, and they are going to need the offense to run up the score here. Mark Sears is averaging 19.5 while shooting 64.7 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from behind the three point line.

Shane’s Free Pick

Ohio State has been fine this season, but this is a big step up in competition and they are going to struggle in this game. Alabama is averaging 101.8 points per game and they are going to have no issue running up the score in this game. Ohio State doesn’t have the offensive talent to keep up and that is going to be the difference as Alabama is going to get the job done. Back Alabama against the spread.