College Basketball Fixtures, Picks: Alabama vs. Gonzaga and other top matches on Saturday

This is the fourth full weekend of college basketball action in the 2021-22 season, and this Saturday’s schedule offers some quality action involving ranked teams. While a number of conferences have begun playing tournaments, the day’s standings are highlighted by non-conference games, including a head-to-head matchup between No. Gonzaga and number 16 Alabama.

Zags and the Crimson Tide kicks off at 8 p.m. ET in Seattle in a home-like environment for Gonzaga. It will be a turning point for both schools as the Bulldogs look to show off their 84-81 loss to Duke last Friday was nothing more than a speed bump. Alabama also suffered its first loss last week, and it was a bit more embarrassing.

The Crimson Tide dropped a 72-68 thriller against Iona and Rick Pitino. Since those losses, both Gonzaga and Alabama have won. But Saturday will be their first meeting since fighting high-quality opposition. Below, our staff has predictions for that game and for some key matches from a busy Saturday blocking vehicle.

Odds via Caesars Sportsbook | All Eastern Ages

12 midnight | ESPN, fuboTV (Try free) — Memphis just lost on the road against a Georgia much worse team than Ole Miss. The Rebels are a much better defensive team than Georgia and can continue to disappoint an attack of bewildered Tigers. Ole Miss dealt with fewer enemies in its schedule but fell short against quality opponents Marquette and Boise State. This time, they will break through in a big position at home. Prediction: Ole Miss 63, Memphis 60

Marquette in 23rd place Wisconsin

12:30 pm | fox, fuboTV (Try free) — The Badgers have been one of the top surprises of this season, having now won four in a row before Texas A&M, Houston, Saint Mary’s and Georgia Tech. But Marquette showed her merits in victories Illinois, Ole Miss and West Virginia. The Golden Eagles should be close, but the home field advantage will help the Badgers avenge their loss to Marquette last season. Prediction: Wisconsin 72, Marquette 69

Featured game | Michigan Wolverines and San Diego State Aztecs

1 pm | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free of charge) — Expect a motivated Michigan team after a 21-point loss to UNC. The Wolverines have lost a home game and should play hard to avoid another loss. State of San Diego Nathan Mensah is a great defender, but the Werewolf is larger in size and can knock the Aztecs down in this game. Prediction: Michigan 68, SDSU 64

Featured game | Colorado Buffaloes Volunteers vs. Tennessee

2pm | FS1, fuboTV (Try free) — This was Tennessee’s first real road game, and the fact that the game went at altitude made it even more challenging. But The Vols have a deep spin to be able to outlast a young Colorado team. The Buffs were defeated by UCLA on the road Wednesday in a game that revealed some flaws in their defence. Prediction: Tennessee 81, Colorado 73

No. 16 Alabama vs No. 3 Gonzaga (in Seattle)

Featured game | Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

8 pm | ESPN2, fuboTV (Try free) — The defeat to Iona blew Alabama’s sails somewhat, but the Crimson Tide still has the role of a top SEC team under third-year coach Nate Oats. Alabama can go head-to-head with Zags on the perimeter, but contains Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren would be nearly impossible for this team. Freshman Student Center Charles Bediako will need to play the game of his life and stay out of trouble for the Crimson Tide to stand a chance. Prediction: Gonzaga 94, Alabama 81

Who Wins Every College Basketball Game? And which teams could sink your bankroll? Visit SportsLine now to see how every college basketball game is picked, all from a model that simulates every game 10,000 times and has generated over $2,000 in profits over the last four years.