On Saturday, part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge, the No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers (14-5) will travel to Frank Erwin Center to take on the No. 25 Texas Longhorns (15-5). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at Tennessee vs. Texas odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Longhorns are coming into this game off a 23-point win and cover against Texas Christian University.
Texas has been favorited in its last 10 games, covering in 5 of them. The Longhorns allow the fewest points per game in the nation at 54.7. They do it by holding opponents under 41% from the field and 31% from deep.
Texas is 12-1 straight up (SU) at home this season. As for Tennessee, the Vols are also more comfortable at home, a perfect 11-0. However, they’ll be taking to the road where they’re just 2-3.
The Vols are 11-8 against the spread (ATS) on the season though and have won 3 straight games, covering in 2 of them. Tennessee also has a stout defense, allowing just 63.1 points per game, good for the 41st-fewest per game in the nation.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Tennessee at Texas odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Tennessee +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Texas -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Tennessee +3.5 (-107) | Texas -3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 126.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Tennessee at Texas odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Texas 65, Tennessee 60
Money line
PASS on the money line.
Texas has more momentum and will be at home. The -180 isn’t enticing enough to take. Similarly, I wouldn’t bet an upset given how much better both teams have been on their court this season.
Against the spread
BET on TEXAS -3.5 (-115).
While sub-.500 ATS on the season, the Longhorns are 7-6 ATS at home. Considering the Longhorns’ NCAA-best defense and also at home, they should have the momentum and pace on their side.
The Longhorns also have 5 players averaging over 9 points per game, which against top-tier defenses, should be better than having a few key scorers.
The Longhorns should be able to lock in on Tennessee G Kennedy Chandler and G Santiago Vescovi. The Volunteers have been horrible on the road 2-3 SU this season.
Considering that, I’d side with the home favorite in this one.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 126.5 (-115). With a total this low, it’s bound to be a public fade, but the real reason to bet against points is the strength of the defenses.
The Vols have the stronger offense, but the Longhorns allow under 60 points per game. As for the Vols, they allow 63.1 points per game but will get a Texas offense averaging under 70 per game.
Also, both teams have been profitable to bet on the Under on as Texas is 8-12 O/U and Tennessee is 8/11 O/U. The respective defenses are just that good.
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