The Mississippi State Bulldogs (13-7, 4-3 SEC) and their outstanding offense host the Tennessee Volunteers (12-8, 4-3 SEC) and their stifling defense. The game will air on ESPNU at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Bulldogs beat the Florida Gators, 78-71, while the Volunteers were beaten by the Texas A&M Aggies, 63-58.
Mississippi State played a nearly flawless contest. They had a great free throw rate of 0.288 (above their season average of 0.272) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.0 (below their season average of 40.2). For those same stats, Florida was 0.190 and 30.3, respectively. Tennessee, on the other hand, held Texas A&M to an effective field goal percentage of 0.366 (below their season average of 0.453). Reggie Perry played a pivotal role for Mississippi State with 27 points and eight rebounds. Tennessee, meanwhile, received a boost from John Fulkerson, who had 15 points and seven rebounds.
The Volunteers dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last matchup, Tennessee won 83-76. The Volunteers’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Bulldogs. Tennessee had a rate of 11.0, while Mississippi State posted a mark of 13.4. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Mississippi State ranks 36th in offensive efficiency and Tennessee is 26th in defensive efficiency.
Tennessee Volunteers at Mississippi State Bulldogs Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Mississippi State, ATS Winner – Mississippi State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Mississippi State ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while Tennessee ranks 116th (34.3).
- The Volunteers rank 43rd in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while the Bulldogs rank 117th (21.3).
- Mississippi State averages 6.0 steals per game, which ranks 153rd in the nation. Tennessee ranks 185th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
- The Volunteers rank 47th in assists per game (15.1) while the Bulldogs rank 126th (13.4).
- Tennessee ranks seventh in blocks per game (6.1) while Mississippi State ranks 84th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.4, up from 7.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 65.6 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.0 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
