Published Mar 22, 3:26am ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 22, 3:26am ET
Two defense-first programs. One Sweet 16 spot. Philadelphia, tonight, 6:10 p.m. ET on TNT.
|
|
|---|---|
| Tennessee Volunteers | -118 |
| Virginia Cavaliers | -102 |
Virginia is 30-5 overall and the 3rd seed in the South Region. It is their first NCAA Tournament win since the 2019 national championship.
For More March Madness Betting Odds and Predictions, See the Full Hub
Virginia's defense is the entire argument. They rank 5th nationally in two-point percentage allowed. This is the exact area where Tennessee lives. Onyenso blocks 3.0 shots per game and patrols the paint as well as anyone in the tournament. Virginia has the defensive chops to match up with Tennessee and the offensive firepower with the likes of De Ridder and White. Can they make a run under Ryan Odom?
Tennessee is 23-11 overall and the 6th seed in the Midwest Region — making their eighth straight NCAA Tournament appearance under Rick Barnes, who has reached the second weekend three straight years, including back-to-back Elite Eight runs.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie leads the Volunteers at roughly 18 ppg and 5.5 apg. He just put up 29 points and 9 assists against Miami (OH) and made it look easy. Can he keep this form? Tennessee is a team expecting to reach the second weekend, and Gilespie has the guard play to lead them there.
Virginia's defense is built perfectly to stop Tennessee. Onyenso shuts down the paint where Ament and Estrella operate, forcing the Vols to shoot threes, something they rarely want to do. We also think Virginia has offensive firepower to match. Our pick is Virginia (-102).
|
Pick
Virginia (-102)
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
