The SEC college basketball tournament is approaching soon with the Quarterfinal matchup between the Mississippi State Bulldogs (20-12) and fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (24-7) on Friday, March 15 at 1:00 PM ET. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook showcases the Volunteers with a point spread at -10.0 (-116).
When: March 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM ET
Where: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee
Watch: ESPN
Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview
The Bulldogs recently snapped their four-game losing streak with a 70-60 win over the LSU Tigers in the second round of the SEC Tournament. Josh Hubbard impressed with his output of 24 points to lead them to victory.
Hubbard continues to be a key factor in their offensive production, leading the Bulldogs with 17.0 points each game. His totals tie him for 129th in the nation, but he will need to have another outstanding game to make an impact big enough to turn the tide in their favor.
The Bulldogs maintain an average of 75.3 points per game, positioning them as the 130th nationally in scoring. Their commendable ball circulation, gathering 14.4 assists per game, creates a solid amount of scoring opportunities. Their offensive effectiveness could use some improvement at 132nd place, with a rating of 108.8.
On the defensive end, they allow 69.6 points per game, ranking 109th nationally. With an average of 3.1 blocks and 8.0 steals per game, they pose a good challenge to their adversaries. Their defensive proficiency is notable, securing the 100th position with a rating of 100.7.
Tennessee Volunteers Preview
The Volunteers ended their seven-game win streak with an 85-81 loss against the (now) ninth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats to close out the regular season. Even with the Vols losing this matchup, fans were in for a treat with Dalton Knecht scoring 40 points.
Knecht averages 21.4 points per game and is shooting 47.4 percent from the field. He ranks 11th in the nation in scoring and will likely have another appealing game offensively here. However, he will need to be crafty in obtaining offense since the defense will likely be aware of him in their game plan.
The Volunteers consistently average 80.2 points per game, securing the 41st position nationally. Their emphasis on ball distribution, tallying 16.9 assists per game, is pivotal to their success. They excel at generating scoring opportunities, ranking 43rd with a robust rating of 113.4.
Defensively, they concede 67.7 points per game, placing 64th nationally. They typically secure 4.8 blocks and 7.9 steals per game, which is indicative of their proficiency in disrupting opponent strategies. Their defensive efficiency ranks 16th, boasting a rating of 95.7.
Betting Odds
ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook offers the best SEC tournament betting options for Tennessee sports fans. The Tennessee Volunteers are heavy favorites to succeed, with market insights indicating they have an 81.9 percent probability of winning.
Mississippi State Bulldogs: +380
Spread: +10.0 (-110)
Tennessee Volunteers: -575
Spread: -10.0 (-116)
Total Points: Over 142.5 (-112), Under 142.5 (-114)
Photo Credit: © Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
