Game Preview

The Alabama Crimson Tide open their 2025‑26 season at home on November 3, 2025 against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. Tip‑off at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa is set for 8:00 p.m. ET and the matchup will stream on SECN+. Oddsmakers have installed Alabama as a ~32.5‑point favorite with a lofty total around 168.5 points, expecting a high‑scoring affair.

Team Analysis

• Alabama Crimson Tide: Coach Nate Oats’ squad enters the year as a top‑10 contender after back‑to‑back Sweet 16 runs. The Tide led the nation in scoring last season and should pick up where they left off with a dynamic backcourt featuring Mark Sears, Aaron Estrada and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. Transfer forward Grant Nelson adds rim protection and scoring punch. Alabama wants to push the pace and shoots threes at a high volume, and several outlets project them to flirt with 90+ points in the opener.
• North Dakota Fighting Hawks: The Summit League visitors finished 18‑15 last year but are taking a massive step up in class. Coach Paul Sather returns guard BJ Omot and forward Tsotne Tsartsidze, but the Hawks allowed over 75 points per game and will struggle to defend Alabama’s tempo. Against major‑conference opponents last season, North Dakota lost by an average of 25+ points and gave up numerous fast‑break opportunities.

Betting Pick & Prediction

Alabama’s frenetic pace and efficient offense should overwhelm North Dakota early, and the Crimson Tide defense will create turnovers that lead to easy buckets. While the Hawks can shoot from distance, they lack the athletes to keep up for 40 minutes. Tidesports predicted a 98‑75 Alabama win and expects them to cover the big number (Lehigh Mountain Hawks vs Houston Cougars Prediction …).

Best Bet: Alabama −32.5 – The Crimson Tide are built to run up scores and should cover comfortably at home.
Over/Under: Over 168.5 – Both teams play up‑tempo and the total is high for a reason; Alabama might push 100 points on their own.

Final Score Prediction

Alabama 98, North Dakota 75
Expect Alabama to put on a show for the home crowd and start their campaign with a decisive win while covering the spread and sending the game over the total.