A pair of ranked teams face off in SEC action tonight, with the No. 11 Vanderbilt Commodores hosting the No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Tide have been battle-tested against the best teams in the country, which is why my Alabama vs. Vanderbilt predictions are taking them to cover as road dogs.
Here are my best free college basketball picks for this high-profile conference showdown on Wednesday, January 7.
Alabama vs Vanderbilt prediction
Alabama vs Vanderbilt best bet: Alabama +4 (-110)
Although the Vanderbilt Commodores are a perfect 14–0, this marks their first true test of the season. They rank 79th nationally in strength of schedule per KenPom and have yet to face a ranked opponent.
Meanwhile, the Alabama Crimson Tide are 11–3 and have played the toughest schedule in the country, including five games against ranked opponents. They’re coming off an 89–74 win over Kentucky and own statement victories against Illinois and St. John’s, scoring 90+ points in both.
Alabama has been an offensive powerhouse under Nate Oats, and this season is no different. The Tide rank second nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency while averaging 94.1 points per game.
The key to beating Alabama is slowing the tempo and disrupting its rhythm, but Vanderbilt prefers to play fast and loose as well. The Commodores rely on forcing turnovers and controlling the glass, yet Alabama thrives on the offensive boards and owns the fifth-lowest turnover rate in the country.
With the firepower to go blow-for-blow, Alabama will turn this into a back-and-forth shootout — putting value on the underdog catching points.
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Alabama vs Vanderbilt same-game parlay
Alabama guard Aden Holloway is averaging 18.4 points per game and has dropped 24+ points in three of his last four games.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s Devin McGlockton has scored 15 points in back-to-back starts. The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward thrives on the offensive glass, which should translate to easy putbacks against an Alabama team that ranks 286th in defensive rebounding rate.
Alabama vs Vanderbilt SGP
- Alabama +4
- Aden Holloway Over 17.5 points
- Devin McGlockton Over 11.5 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Dishing Dimes
Let's go all in on Holloway by also taking the Over 3.5 on his assists prop.
He averages 4.1 assists per game and has dropped at least five dimes in back-to-back contests.
Alabama vs Vanderbilt SGP
- Alabama moneyline
- Aden Holloway Over 17.5 points
- Aden Holloway Over 3.5 assists
- Devin McGlockton Over 11.5 points
Alabama vs Vanderbilt odds
- Spread: Alabama +4 (-110) | Vanderbilt -4 (-110)
- Moneyline: Alabama +160 | Vanderbilt -190
- Over/Under: Over 180.5 (-110) | Under 180.5 (-110)
Alabama vs Vanderbilt betting trend to know
The Tide are 8-2 SU and ATS in their last 10 games on the road, which includes four outright wins as underdogs. Find more college basketball betting trends for Alabama vs. Vanderbilt.
How to watch Alabama vs Vanderbilt
| Location | Memorial Gymnasium, Nashville, TN |
| Date | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Alabama vs Vanderbilt key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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