The Ole Miss Rebels (11-11, 4-5 SEC) will try to put an end to their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the No. 18 Tennessee Volunteers (16-5, 6-3 SEC) at Thompson-Boling Arena. The game will air on SEC Network at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Tennessee Volunteers Free Prediction
In the Rebels’ last outing, they were defeated by the No. 11 Auburn Tigers, 79-70. Auburn’s 12.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Ole Miss, who had a mark of 19.6. The Tigers’ mark was better than their season average of 14.6, while the Rebels’ was above their season average of 13.8. Deandre Burnett led Ole Miss in scoring with 16 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
The Volunteers won big over the LSU Tigers in their last matchup, 84-61. Tennessee’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over LSU. The Volunteers had a rate of 29.0 (below their season average of 34.6), while the Tigers posted a mark of 18.9 (below their season average of 31.3). With 16 points and six rebounds, Grant Williams had a good performance for Tennessee.
The offensive glass should be a major edge for Tennessee in this battle. The Volunteers are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 46th in offensive rebounding percentage at 34.3 percent. Meanwhile, Ole Miss ranks 278th in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 68.3 percent. Moreover, the Rebels commit the 34th-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Volunteers causes the 58th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.6 percent).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Volunteers won the most recent contest 75-66. The Volunteers had a much better free throw rate (0.446 vs. 0.194) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 19.6).
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Tennessee Volunteers Free Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Ole Miss, ATS Winner – Ole Miss, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Tennessee ranks 33rd in assists per game (16.7) while Ole Miss ranks 230th in assists allowed per game (16.0).
The Volunteers average 36.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 103rd in the NCAA. The Rebels rank 240th in rebounds allowed per game (38.0).
Tennessee ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.9) while Ole Miss ranks 78th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
The Volunteers average 20.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 177th in the NCAA. The Rebels rank 214th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
Betting Trends:
The Rebels have been outscored by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Ole Miss has defeated opponents by an average of 2.1 points.
During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (8.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.0 points per game (9.3 below their season average).
