Alabama Crimson Tide vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits Picks and Predictions December 29th 2024

Suddenly Defensive Alabama Looks to Keep Rolling Against South Dakota State

No. 5 Alabama aims to continue its recent defensive resurgence as it hosts South Dakota State in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Sunday to close out the 2024 calendar year. The Crimson Tide (10-2) are shifting focus toward defense and rebounding while still maintaining their reputation as one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses.

Alabama’s Inside Dominance

Despite its identity as a 3-point shooting powerhouse, Alabama’s success this season has largely come from its inside play and rebounding. The Tide are shooting 62.2 percent on two-point attempts, ranking among the national leaders, while pulling down an impressive 45 rebounds per game.

While Alabama continues to average 31 3-point attempts per game, its 31.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc is ordinary. However, dominating inside and controlling the glass have allowed the Tide to maintain their winning ways.

“We’ve done a great job in the paint and on the boards,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said. “That’s been a difference-maker for us in tight games.”

Defensive Adjustments

Oats has been vocal about improving the team’s defensive execution, especially following a high-scoring 97-90 win over North Dakota on Dec. 18. The Tide responded well in their next outing, delivering a dominant 81-54 win over Kent State on Dec. 22.

“We made defense a major point of emphasis,” Oats said. “The effort against Kent State was much better, but we’re still giving up too many second-chance points. That’s something we need to clean up.”

Alabama won the rebounding battle against Kent State 60-40 and connected on 72 percent of its two-point attempts. Eight players are averaging 7.4 points per game or more, led by super senior guard Mark Sears (17.8 ppg) and forward Grant Nelson (12.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg).

South Dakota State’s Challenge

The Jackrabbits (9-5) will rely heavily on senior Aussie transfer Oscar Cluff to keep them competitive. The 6-foot-11 center, a transfer from Washington State, is averaging 16.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game while shooting 71.4 percent from the field and 79.2 percent from the free-throw line.

“Oscar has been a stabilizing force for our young team,” said South Dakota State coach Eric Henderson. “We’ve always played through the post, and he’s been everything we hoped for.”

Cluff’s five-game streak of double-doubles ended in recent losses to Nevada and Colorado. The Jackrabbits rebounded with an 87-72 win over Chadron State on Dec. 19.

Who will claim the title? Find out in College Basketball Championship Odds!

Key Matchup

The game will likely hinge on how well Alabama can contain Cluff in the post while maintaining its dominance on the boards. For South Dakota State, limiting Alabama’s second-chance opportunities and forcing tough perimeter shots will be critical.

With a deep rotation and players like Sears and Nelson providing consistent scoring and rebounding, Alabama appears well-positioned to continue its strong run into the new year.