Updated:
Mar 20, 2026 , 01:14 PM ET
• 4 min read
Hatfield’s prediction: Hofstra will stun Alabama.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Hofstra Pride players celebrate a win.
Alabama and Hofstra will meet in the NCAA Tournament at 3:15 p.m. ET on truTV, and this game changed completely when Aden Holloway got arrested and was ruled out.
Holloway was Alabama’s second-leading creator. Without him, Bama’s half-court creation is split, and Hofstra is good enough to take advantage.
My Alabama vs. Hofstra predictions and March Madness picks break down why the Pride can pull off a shocker on Friday, March 20.
Hofstra vs Alabama prediction
Who will win Hofstra vs Alabama?
Hofstra: Hofstra wins because Alabama just lost their second-best creator, and Hofstra’s backcourt won’t blink. Alabama without Holloway becomes a Labaron Philon solo act, and while he’s capable of crying the Tide, I’m not banking on it.
Hofstra vs Alabama best bet: Hofstra moneyline (+500)
Without Holloway, Alabama’s half-court creation becomes a one-man show through Philon. It’s a situation that I’d back Nate Oats to manage if there was a runway. But in a one-game, pressure-packed scenario as the tournament? I’m not so sure.
Hofstra has a legit backcourt, and the Alabama defense is, well, average to put it kindly.
Cruz Davis averages 10 points per 100 possessions solely at the rim. The Tide have been poor there all season, especially after Charles Bediako was ruled ineligible, allowing over a point per possession on plays tagged as “rim attacks” by Synergy.
COVERS INTEL: This matchup features one of the biggest style clashes in the tournament. Alabama plays at the fourth-quickest pace in the country, while Hofstra is slow, ranking 316th nationally in average tempo.
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Hofstra vs Alabama same-game parlay
Hofstra isn’t winning this game without a massive performance from Cruz Davis. Pairing him to exceed his points total with our best bet is a layup. This game should be played at a decent pace, allowing a playmaker to make plays in the open floor.
Hofstra vs Alabama SGP
- Hofstra moneyline
- Cruz Davis Over 19.5 points
Our Big Dance SGP: Philon fills it up
Taking Philon to cash his three-point number is a pure volume play. You’re looking at a player who may very well take ten threes in this game. He’s certainly capable of making them too, exceeding this number in two of his last three games. I paired this with Davis to go under his assists total. I simply don’t see him doing much facilitating.
Hofstra vs Alabama SGP
- Hofstra moneyline
- Labaron Philon Over 2.5 threes
- Cruz Davis Under 4.5 assists
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Hofstra vs Alabama odds
- Spread: Hofstra +12 | Alabama -12
- Moneyline: Hofstra +450 | Alabama -750
- Over/Under: Over 159.5 | Under 159.5
Hofstra vs Alabama betting trend to know
Hofstra has hit the Moneyline in 11 of their last 12 games (+10.00 Units / 28% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Hofstra vs. Alabama.
How to watch Hofstra vs Alabama
Location
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
Date
Friday, March 20, 2026
Tip-off
3:15 p.m. ET
TV
truTV
Hofstra vs Alabama 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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Chris has always had a passion for three things: solving problems, sports, and writing. It’s no wonder then that he found himself attracted to the sports betting industry. You can find Chris betting every day. Whether it’s shot prop markets in Champions League Soccer qualifiers or NBA Summer League, he has no offseason. As an EV+ bettor, he especially values the insight gained through a data-driven approach.
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