Alabama Crimson Tide vs Oregon Ducks Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

Undefeated Oregon Looks to Upset No. 9 Alabama

Tournament Showdown in Las Vegas

Ninth-ranked Alabama faces undefeated Oregon on Saturday in Las Vegas for the championship of the Players Era Festival. Both teams bring momentum from thrilling wins, setting up a high-stakes clash with contrasting styles.

Alabama’s Road to the Final

The Crimson Tide (6-1) reached the title game with two hard-fought victories, outlasting No. 6 Houston in overtime, 85-80, and edging Rutgers 95-90 in a gritty semifinal.

Guard Mark Sears bounced back in a big way, scoring 24 points in both wins after being held scoreless against Illinois. Alabama coach Nate Oats praised Sears’ self-awareness after the Illinois game, noting his decision to step aside when he felt the team functioned better without him. Sears responded by powering the Tide’s offense in Las Vegas.

Grant Nelson also shined against Rutgers with 17 points and nine rebounds, while bench contributions from Mouhamed Dioubate, Derrion Reid, and Jarin Stevenson (10 points each) added depth.

“Kind of the second game in a row we won off of toughness and rebounding,” Oats said, while expressing concern about Alabama’s offensive efficiency despite their 89.7 points per game average. The team’s 32.8 percent shooting from 3-point range has been a noticeable drop from last season’s 37.3 percent mark.

Oregon’s Perfect Start

Oregon (7-0) earned its spot in the championship with a strong defensive effort in a 78-68 win over San Diego State. The Ducks limited the Aztecs to 6-of-19 shooting from 3-point range and dominated the boards with a 41-24 rebounding advantage.

TJ Bamba led Oregon with 22 points, continuing his emergence as a key player. Assistant coach Mike Mennenga highlighted the team’s trust in Bamba:

“They trust TJ and want him to be aggressive, they want him to be physical.”

Bamba averages 13.1 points per game, one of four Ducks in double figures. Nate Bittle leads the team with 14 points per contest and showcased his versatility against San Diego State with 11 points, nine rebounds, and two blocked shots.

Oregon’s dominance on the boards has been a major factor in its unbeaten run. The Ducks have a 35-percent offensive rebounding rate, fueling second-chance opportunities that have defined their success.

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Contrasting Styles

Alabama thrives on fast-paced, high-scoring basketball, but its efficiency issues could be tested by Oregon’s defensive discipline. The Ducks’ ability to control the glass, particularly on the offensive end, may disrupt Alabama’s rhythm and limit transition opportunities.

What’s at Stake

Alabama is aiming to fine-tune its offensive game as it prepares for the grind of SEC play. For Oregon, a win would cement its best start since the 2013-14 season and further solidify its standing as a rising contender.

The matchup promises a battle of Alabama’s offensive firepower against Oregon’s rebounding prowess and defensive toughness. Both teams will need their stars—Sears for the Crimson Tide and Bamba for the Ducks—to deliver in what could be a tournament-defining clash.