The LSU Tigers (8-4) and their great offense visit Tennessee to play the Volunteers (8-4) and their stifling defense. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020, and will air on ESPNU.
LSU Tigers vs. Tennessee Volunteers Betting Odds
In their last game, the Volunteers lost big to the Wisconsin Badgers, 68-48, while the Tigers were victorious over the Liberty Flames, 74-57.
LSU dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 17.8) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.6 (below their season average of 34.2). Liberty had marks of 19.7 and 20.7, respectively, for those same stats. Tennessee, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.217 vs. 0.123). Olivier Nkamhoua had a good game for Tennessee, putting up five points and 10 rebounds. LSU received a boost from Skylar Mays, who contributed 12 points.
The Tigers won the sole game between these two teams last year, 82-80. One of LSU’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 31 free throw attempts, while Tennessee had 16. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Tennessee does a solid job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 60th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.264), but LSU is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 45th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.164). Furthermore, the Tigers rank 31st in offensive efficiency (112.2), while the Volunteers rank 16th in defensive efficiency (86.5).
LSU vs. Tennessee Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – LSU, ATS Winner – LSU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Tennessee ranks 17th in three pointers allowed per game (17.3) while LSU ranks 218th (24.8).
- The Tigers allow the 29th-fewest blocks per game (2.5) while the Volunteers rank 59th (2.9).
- LSU averages 39.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 55th in the NCAA. Tennessee ranks 67th in rebounds allowed per game (32.9).
- The Volunteers rank 24th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while the Tigers rank 96th (12.0).
- LSU ranks 96th in steals per game (7.1) while Tennessee ranks 131st in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.0, up from 13.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Volunteers have scored an average of 61.6 points per game (5.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.6 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
