2024 Final Four Preview - #4 Alabama vs. #1 UConn: Can the Huskies beat the Tide to reach the Finals in back-to-back seasons? April 4, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

After two weeks of exciting and heart-pounding action in the 2024 College Basketball Tournament only four college teams are left to earn a spot for the National Championship. Defending champion UConn Huskies will face the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday's 2nd match of the Final Four. Game time is set 8:49PM EDT at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.

The Huskies are on a mission to become the first back-to-back national champion in college basketball since Florida's winning the championship in 2006 and 2007. UConn loss three vital players from their last season's championship as the trio of Adama Sanogo, Jordan Hawkins and Andre Jackson Jr. turned professional in the NBA. However, UConn did not lose its way this season as it improved much better with sensational PG Tristen Newton, center Donovan Clingan and work-horse forward Alex Caraban. Rookie sensation Stephon Castle proved his worth throughout the season and transferee Cam Spencer was lights-out in the 3-point area.

Senior PG Mark Sears is the heart and soul of Alabama. He took a massive responsibility this season following the departure of Brandon Miller in the NBA. The Crimson Tide defeated Charleston, Grand Canyon, North Carolina and Clemson to reach the Final Four. In those wins, it was Sears's leadership and impeccable shooting in the 3-point line that led Alabama to new heights. Alabama is almost unbeatable when they make 12 or more 3-pointers per game. This opens up the opponent's defense underneath the basket and it forces them to scramble guard the perimeter.

Injury Report

Alabama Crimson Tide

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
David Cosby Jr.	G	Out

UConn Huskies

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
No reported injuries.

Sports Bet Odds

The Huskies are the favorites to win this Final Four matchup. Here are our latest odds:

• The Huskies are favored by 12 points, with a money line of -820.
• The Crimson Tide are the underdogs by 12 points, with a money line of -600.
• The over/under is set at 160.5 points, with the over at -105 and the under at -115.

The Huskies have the two dynamic scoring threats in the guard position with the combination of Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer. They have a very solid rim protector led by Donovan Clingan and has a very deep bench. The Crimson Tide's defense has struggled during the regular season but it showed its teeth during the tournament. Deadly perimeter shooting and solid defense could prove to be a lethal combination that Alabama can use to bring some heat to Uconn's back-to-back title hunt.

Team Stats

Alabama Crimson Tide		UConn Huskies
90.6	Point Per Game	81.4
81.1	Points Allowed	70.5
47.7%	FG% Per Game	49.8%
39.9	Rebounds Per Game	39.0
16.0	Assists Per Game	18.7