The Louisville Cardinals (3-0) square off against the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (3-0) in the Preseason NIT at Barclays Center. Action begins at 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Tennessee Volunteers Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Volunteers defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 66-53, while the Cardinals beat the Vermont Catamounts 86-78.
Louisville played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.9 and a free throw rate of 0.531. Vermont had marks of 14.8 and 0.321, respectively, for those same stats. The Volunteers, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.500 vs. 0.310) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.438 vs. 0.302). Grant Williams had a good outing for Tennessee, contributing 22 points and eight rebounds. Louisville was led by Jordan Nwora, who finished with 22 points and five rebounds.
The offensive glass could be a major advantage for Tennessee in this matchup. The Volunteers rank 53rd in offensive rebounding percentage (33.2 percent), while Louisville ranks 277th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.4 percent) dating back to the 2017-18 season.
Louisville vs. Tennessee Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Tennessee, ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Tennessee ranks 31st in assists per game (16.1) while Louisville ranks 159th (13.5).
- The Cardinals rank 214th in three pointers attempted per game (20.8) while the Volunteers rank 237th (20.1).
- The Volunteers average 36.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 113th in the NCAA. The Cardinals rank 223rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
- Louisville averages 5.8 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the NCAA. Tennessee ranks 95th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
