The fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (26-3, 14-2 SEC), 8.5-point favorites, wrap up their home schedule at Thompson-Boling Arena against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (21-8, 9-7 SEC). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 149.5 points and it can be seen on SEC Network at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tennessee Volunteers Betting Odds
The Volunteers will look to maintain momentum after comfortably covering the 3-point spread against the fourth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats in their last matchup, 71-52. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were defeated by the Auburn Tigers, 80-75, and were not able to cover as 5-point underdogs. The Tennessee game finished 18 points under the projected point total of 141, while the Mississippi State game finished 9 points over the projected point total of 146.
The Volunteers had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 6.8 (better than their season average of 14.0) and held the Wildcats to an effective field goal percentage of 0.375 (below their season average of 0.536). Mississippi State, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2 (above their season average of 34.3). Tennessee’s Jordan Bone led the way, recording 27 points. Meanwhile, Mississippi State rallied around Quinndary Weatherspoon, who had 25 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Volunteers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last contest, Tennessee won 62-59. Tennessee’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Volunteers had more offensive rebounds (22 vs. 10), defensive rebounds (28 vs. 23) and total rebounds (50 vs. 33). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
A little over half of the Bulldogs’ games have finished under the O/U total. Mississippi State holds records of 21-8 straight up (SU) and 14-13-2 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Mississippi State, games including the Volunteers have finished over the total 53.6 percent of the time. Further, Tennessee owns records of 26-3 SU and 14-13-1 ATS.
It might turn into a shootout as two of the NCAA’s best offenses go head-to-head. Tennessee ranks seventh with 117.9 points per 100 possessions and Mississippi State is 34th (113.2). Additionally, the Bulldogs could control the offensive glass in this meeting as they rank 25th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 34.6 percent. The Volunteers, meanwhile, rank 264th at securing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 70.0 percent.
Mississippi State at Tennessee Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Tennessee, ATS Winner – Mississippi State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Mississippi State ranks 19th in steals per game (8.3) while Tennessee ranks 160th (5.9).
- The Volunteers rank fourth in assists per game (18.8) while the Bulldogs rank 92nd in assists allowed per game (12.3).
- Mississippi State ranks 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Tennessee ranks 116th (34.3).
- The Bulldogs rank 151st in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while the Volunteers rank 275th (18.8).
- Tennessee averages 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the nation. Mississippi State ranks 120th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- Tennessee is 7-8-1 ATS at home, while Mississippi State is 5-6-1 ATS on the road.
- The Bulldogs have 7 unders and 5 overs in 12 road games.
- The Volunteers have 11 unders and 5 overs in 16 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs are 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Volunteers are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Mississippi State has 4 unders and 1 over, while Tennessee has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (5.0 below their season average).
- The Volunteers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, down from 15.3 for the season.
