The Memphis Tigers (5-4) will be at home in FedExForum when they clash with the third-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (7-1). Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Tennessee Volunteers at Memphis Tigers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Tigers defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 76-61, while the Volunteers easily got past the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears 86-41.
Tennessee dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.217 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.608. Lenoir-Rhyne was 0.090 and 0.261, respectively, for those same stats. The Tigers, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (15.1 vs. 28.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.459 vs. 0.404). Kyvon Davenport led the way for Memphis, putting up 30 points and 10 rebounds. Tennessee rallied around Jordan Bone, who recorded 18 points and six rebounds.
This contest should be a showdown of conflicting tempos. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, Memphis has preferred to play up-tempo (ninth in possessions per game), while Tennessee has been more half-court-oriented (273rd in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Volunteers’ defense should have an advantage in terms of effective field goal percentage. They rank 45th in the country with an opponents’ effective field goal percentage of 0.459, while the Tigers’ offense ranks 258th in effective field goal percentage (0.504).
Tennessee at Memphis Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Memphis, ATS Winner – Tennessee, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Tennessee ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.7) while Memphis ranks 189th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- The Volunteers rank 103rd in rebounds per game (37.1) while the Tigers rank 179th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
- The Volunteers rank 25th in assists per game (16.7) while the Tigers rank 141st in assists allowed per game (14.5).
- Memphis ranks 21st in steals per game (6.4) while Tennessee ranks 126th (6.2).
