The upcoming college basketball game between Alabama and St. John’s at Madison Square Garden marks a significant early-season matchup, with St. John’s ranked No. 5 nationally and Alabama at No. 15. St. John’s, led by Coach Rick Pitino, boasts a strong offensive team, while Alabama, coached by Nate Oats, is known for its high scoring and fast-paced style. Oats, inspired by Pitino early in his coaching career through instructional videos, now faces his mentor in a competitive game. Alabama is predicted to be an underdog but aims for quality wins early in the season, with key players like Labaron Philon Jr. and Dillon Mitchell expected to impact the game. The game features a betting line of St. John’s favored by 6 points, with over/under at 171.5 points, and betting trends show St. John’s has won 12 straight games at Madison Square Garden. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FS1. Injuries include Alabama’s Keitenn Bristow, who is likely out, while other players are expected to participate. The matchup is notable for its contrasting styles—Pitino’s fast-paced offense versus Oats’ aggressive approach—making it a highly anticipated early-season test for both teams.