The Tennessee Volunteers are atop the SEC, but only one game ahead of both Kentucky and the LSU Tigers. LSU can tie them up next time out because these two teams will go head-to-head in a critical conference clash.
Tennessee was ranked No. 1 in the country for a chunk of the year but a recent loss to Kentucky knocked it from that pedestal. The Vols are hoping to win both the SEC and finish with a No. 1 seed heading into March Madness so there is a lot on the line in this one.
The Tigers are putting together an impressive year and get this game at home, which should give them a solid chance at winning the game. The SEC’s top spot is in the balance in this one as Tennessee and LSU face off in NCAA men’s basketball wagering.
This NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and LSU Tigers will be held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23rd, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
We'll have NCAA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2019 NCAA basketball season.
Odds Analysis
Tennessee has a record of 24-2 on the season, which is why it is so high in the national polls. The Volunteers have been really good in SEC play as well with a 12-1 mark. Tennessee lost its first road game of the year last time out to Kentucky.
LSU has a mark of 21-5 overall and 11-2 in the SEC. The Tigers had a four-game winning streak snapped last time out when they fell to Florida. The overall body of work is still impressive and LSU is expected to be only a small underdog in this one.
Key Stat
50.7. That’s the percentage Tennessee is shooting from the field this season, one of the rare teams to connect on more of half its shots. The Volunteers are a stingy defensive team as well so it is not a surprise to see it among the best in the country.
Tennessee is led by Grant Williams, who is averaging 19.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest. He is shooting an impressive 58 percent from the field and hopes to be efficient against LSU. Admiral Schofield and Jordan Bone are good shooters for guards as well, and the Tigers need to keep up the defensive pressure throughout.
Player To Watch
Tremont Waters -- The LSU guard has put together a really impressive year. He is averaging 15.9 points, 6.0 assists and 3.1 steals per game. Waters is shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from three-point range. Waters did not play very well in the team’s recent loss to Florida, hitting only 3-of-12 shots from the field and scoring 10 points.
He will need to get back to his normal numbers in order to help LSU spring the upset in this one. Waters had 20 points and five assists in LSU’s most recent win, a close game against Georgia.
Free NCAA Basketball ATS Picks
LSU is a very good team but Tennessee has the capability to be great. The Volunteers need to shake off the recent loss to Kentucky and secure this win to control its conference destiny down the stretch. This game could be back and forth throughout, but in the end, the Volunteers have more talent and should be the choice to win in NCAA men’s basketball odds.
Tennessee is also the choice to cover the spread. The “over” should be considered as these teams will be able to go shot for shot in an uptempo matchup.
NCAA Basketball Pick: Tennessee Volunteers 84, LSU Tigers 78
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