It will be a showdown between two superb defenses when the Missouri Tigers (9-3) meet the third-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (12-1, 1-0 SEC) at Mizzou Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Missouri Tigers Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Tigers were victorious over the Central Arkansas Bears 68-55, while the Volunteers won big over the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears 86-41.
Tennessee dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.217 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.608. Lenoir-Rhyne had marks of 0.090 and 0.261, respectively, for those same stats. The Tigers, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.2 vs. 17.1) and had a better turnover percentage (13.6 vs. 16.8). Missouri was led by Mark Smith, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jordan Bone was a key piece for Tennessee with 18 points and six rebounds.
The Tigers won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 59-55. Converting at the free throw line was one of Missouri’s biggest advantages. They were 15-17 (88.2 percent), while the Volunteers were just 8-13 (61.5 percent). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Bone and Grant Williams have been playing well over the last five games for Tennessee. Bone has averaged 0 points per game, while Williams has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
Missouri might have trouble scoring as they face off against one of the country’s best defenses. Tennessee currently ranks 26th in defensive efficiency, while the Tigers rank 191st in offensive efficiency.
Tennessee Volunteers at Missouri Tigers Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Tennessee, ATS Winner – Tennessee, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Tennessee ranks first in assists per game (21.5) while Missouri ranks 214th (11.3).
- The Tigers rank 130th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while the Volunteers rank 244th (19.0).
- Missouri ranks 40th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Tennessee ranks 135th (7.0).
- The Volunteers rank second in blocks per game (6.2) while the Tigers rank 169th (1.9).
- Tennessee ranks 25th in rebounds per game (40.8) while Missouri ranks 161st (35.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers have been outscored by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Missouri has defeated opponents by an average of 5.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 82.4 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
