The North Dakota Fighting Hawks will face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with the game scheduled to tip-off at 8:00 p.m. EST on SEC Network+. Alabama is heavily favored by 31.5 points, and the total points for the game are set at 168.5.
As the 2025-2026 season begins, predictions lean towards Alabama covering the spread. Punters are encouraged to check for the best lines on live NCAAB odds pages for their college basketball bets.
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks, coming off a challenging previous season with only 12 wins, will be looking to fresh faces to revitalize their lineup. Newcomers like Josh Jones from Oral Roberts and Wylee Delorme from the University of Mary are expected to make immediate contributions as they adapt to their new team. Head Coach Paul Sather enters his seventh season, hoping to surpass the team’s previous records. Historically, Sather’s teams have struggled defensively, never finishing better than 242nd in adjusted defensive efficiency, which raises concerns for their opening match against a potent offense like Alabama’s.
On the other hand, the Alabama Crimson Tide have been a strong contender in college basketball, especially under the leadership of Coach Nate Oats, who also begins his seventh season. Despite some roster changes, Alabama is anticipated to maintain a fast-paced and high-scoring game style. Oats has consistently prioritized an aggressive tempo, evident by his teams’ ranking among the top in adjusted tempo metrics. Last season, Alabama averaged substantial offensive outputs, scoring 80 points in all but four games, establishing a formidable presence on the court.
As the two teams prepare for their season opener, Alabama’s speed and offensive strength will likely challenge North Dakota, which may struggle to keep pace given their defensive shortcomings. A high-scoring game may ensue, but Alabama is expected to dominate throughout, reinforcing their legacy as a powerful force in college basketball.
Bettors and fans are advised to tune in for what promises to be an exciting start to the college basketball season, as the Crimson Tide look to assert their dominance from the very beginning.