The No. 13 Tennessee Volunteers (23-7, 13-5 SEC) take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs (22-10, 10-9 SEC) in the Southeastern Conference Tourney at Scottrade Center. The game will air on SEC Network at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Tennessee Volunteers ATS Prediction
The Bulldogs will be looking for a similar outcome after edging the LSU Tigers in their last game, 80-77. Mississippi State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over LSU. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.292 (above their season average of 0.213), while the Tigers posted a mark of 0.127 (below their season average of 0.239). Aric Holman had a good outing for Mississippi State, recording 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The last time the Volunteers played, they beat the Georgia Bulldogs, 66-61. Tennessee’s 6.1 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Georgia, who had a mark of 15.8. The Volunteers’ mark was better than their season average of 15.7. Admiral Schofield was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting.
Points could be at a premium in this contest between two of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Tennessee ranks 42nd in defensive efficiency (98.4) and Mississippi State is 56th (99.1).
Schofield has averaged 17.8 points and 6.0 rebounds over the last five games for Tennessee.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Schofield scored a game-high 24 points and the Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-54. He also put up seven rebounds. The Volunteers knocked down 18 of their 23 free throws (78.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.2 vs. 20.6).
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Tennessee, ATS Winner – Tennessee, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Tennessee ranks 34th in assists per game (16.0) while Mississippi State ranks 156th (13.4).
The Bulldogs average 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks 13th in the NCAA. The Volunteers rank 84th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Mississippi State averages 36.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. Tennessee ranks 142nd in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
The Bulldogs rank 45th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Volunteers rank 70th (5.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 4.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Mississippi State has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.0 points per game (4.3 below their season average).
—–
