Wofford vs Tennessee March Madness Prediction: Odds and Expert Pick for NCAA First Round
#2 Tennessee faces #15 Wofford in a March Madness first-round matchup at Rupp Arena on Thursday at 6:50 pm ET. Here's what you need to know for betting this NCAA Tournament game.
Two Syracuse basketball players in uniform
Key Stats:
- Tennessee: 27-7 (17-16-1 ATS)
- Wofford: 19-15 (16-16 ATS)
- Historical matchup: Tennessee leads 8-0
- Tennessee allows 63 PPG (2nd in nation in FG% defense)
- Tennessee leads nation in 3-point defense
- Wofford averages 75.3 PPG but shoots only 66.1% FT
Latest Odds (FanDuel):
- Spread: Tennessee -18.5
- Total: 133.5
- Moneyline: Tennessee -2000, Wofford +1400
Analysis: Tennessee's elite defense and superior athleticism creates significant matchup problems for Wofford. The Volunteers' top-ranked three-point defense will likely neutralize Wofford's perimeter-focused offense. While Wofford comes in hot after winning their conference tournament as a 6-seed, they lack the size and talent to contain Tennessee stars Chaz Lanier and Igo Milicic.
Recent Trends:
- Wofford: 4-1 ATS last 5 games
- Wofford: Over in 5 of last 6 games
- Tennessee: 2-5 ATS last 7 games
- Tennessee: Over in 4 of last 5 games
Best Bets:
- Tennessee -18.5
- Over 133.5
While #15 seeds have upset #2 seeds in three of the last four tournaments, Tennessee's defensive prowess and physical advantages make them likely to cover this spread by halftime. The total should go over given Tennessee's scoring ability (74.7 PPG) and Wofford's up-tempo style.
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