The George Mason Patriots (7-1) look to shock the 17th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (4-3) after a hit start to the season on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 PM ET. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook showcases the Vols as a -15.5 (-110) favorite to win.

When: December 5, 2023 at 6:30 PM ET

Where: Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee

Watch: SECN+|ESPN+

George Mason Patriots Preview

The Patriots dismantled the Toledo Rockets 86-77 late in the second half and pulled away with the win. Amari Kelly gave 24 points and made eight out of 10 shots to help keep their lead. This makes their fourth consecutive win and third straight game scoring over 80 points.

Keyshawn Hall (15.1 PPG, 9.4 REB) leads the Patriots in scoring and in rebounding, while also connecting on 46.2 percent of his shots. For a guard, that is appealing numbers to see on the rebounding spectrum.

They have averaged 75.5 points a game and shoot 47.3 percent from the field. While moving the basketball, they find the open man and obtain 12.6 assists each game.

Defensively, the Patriots slow teams to 64.8 points a game. This will be the biggest component of the game as if they are capable of handling a quality team in the country. They also create some havoc for opposing teams with 3.9 blocks and 5.5 steals each matchup.

Tennessee Volunteers Preview

The Volunteers have had the toughest stretch of basketball games compared to any team in the country. With three straight losses, they competed against the previous second-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, previous top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, and previous 17th-ranked (now ninth) North Carolina Tar Heels.

Their recent defeat was a 100-92 showing to the Tar Heels. All three of these losses were nine points or less overall, as they averaged 73 points and gave up 80 per game, making them a deadly team to face in adversity now. Dalton Knecht leads the Vols in scoring at 20.3 points per game.

They are averaging 76.3 points per game, but shooting 42.9 percent from the field. This has likely come down in accuracy due to the strength of schedule over the last few games. They do a slightly better job at moving the basketball in comparison to the Patriots, with 13.7 assists each matchup.

The Vols defense has allowed 67.0 points a game, but has been a bit higher over the last handful of losses. They also contribute 5.0 blocks and 7.4 blocks per game, which shows a little more action on the defensive end in contrast to the Patriots.

Betting Odds

ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook provides the best college basketball odds. Looking at this matchup, the Tennessee Volunteers are heavily favored to win. It is a toss up for the point spread, as they must win by at least 16 points.

George Mason Patriots 

Spread: +15.5 (-110)

Tennessee Volunteers

Spread: -15.5 (-110)

Photo Credit: © Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports