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Arkansas (19-6) vs Alabama (18-7)
- When: Feb 18 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(20) Arkansas vs (25) Alabama Preview & Prediction
Spread: Alabama -3.5
Moneyline: Alabama (-170)
Total: 183.0
Alabama Crimson Tide: Three Point Barrage
If you like defense, kindly change the channel. This one has scoreboard operator overtime written all over it. Alabama and Arkansas are basically playing a 40 minute three point contest with occasional layups sprinkled in for variety.
Alabama comes in averaging nearly 92 points per game. That is not an offense. That is a video game on rookie mode. Nate Oats has the Crimson Tide launching threes like they are allergic to mid range shots. They lead the nation in attempts and are near the top in makes. If they hit 12 or more again, which they have done in six straight, Tuscaloosa is going to sound like a slot machine paying out.
Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway are lighting it up from deep, and when the Tide get rolling, they turn games into track meets. The concern for bettors laying -3.5 is simple: Alabama sometimes gets comfortable and lets teams hang around. With a total sitting at 183, every defensive lapse matters.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Hogs Downhill Attack
Arkansas is not exactly arriving quietly either. The Razorbacks are putting up nearly 89 per night and shooting over 50 percent from the field, best in the SEC. That is efficient chaos. John Calipari’s group attacks downhill, spreads the floor, and forces you to guard every inch.
Darius Acuff Jr. is playing like he has a lottery pick waiting for him. He just dropped 31 with seven threes and is stuffing the stat sheet in conference play. Billy Richmond III brings relentless energy, dunks everything in sight, and plays like someone stole his lunch money.
Arkansas has won three straight by double digits and is peaking at the right time. The Razorbacks are comfortable in shootouts, and in a game where the total is 183, that matters. Catching +3.5 in what feels like a coin flip with fireworks is appealing.
Final Predictions
This will be loud, fast, and slightly irresponsible defensively. Expect both teams to clear 85 without breaking much of a sweat.
Alabama survives at home, but this feels like a one possession game late. Lean Over 183 in a full throttle SEC shootout.
Final Score: Alabama 94, Arkansas 91
Lean: Arkansas +3.5
Total: Over 183
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
