At the onset of the arrival of head coach Rick Barnes was the sense that Tennessee basketball was back. Although Barnes was fired by the Texas Longhorns it was not due to lack of success. For one thing he led Texas to the Big Dance in 16 of his last 17 seasons. But he only made the Final Four once and that led to his ouster. But in his third season he led the Volunteers to the round of 32 last March. Simultaneously Tennessee is again a respected pick for the college basketball betting line.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Date and Time: Sunday, December 9, 2018, 3 p.m. Eastern
Location: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
Tennessee vs. Gonzaga TV Coverage: ESPN
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee was in flux before the arrival of Rick Barnes. Coaching changes and NCAA issues dragged the program down. But Barnes changed all of that. Most of all he has been a calming influence for a program that was in constant turmoil. Likewise, Texas has not done any better since cutting Barnes loose. In like manner Mark Few has proven to be one of the nation’s top coaches. Encompassing that is the power he has made out of Gonzaga.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga is ranked number one in the country. Most important of all they have been highly profitable with the college basketball betting line. Overall the Zags are 8-0 straight up, 7-1 against the spread and 7-1 over the total. Gonzaga is the second highest scoring team in college basketball. Of great concern is a defense that ranks 265th and is known for taking possessions off. Gonzaga is the big chalk to win the West Coast Conference. So too are they a popular pick for the Final Four.
Important Tennessee Stats
Seventh ranked Tennessee has a NCAA Basketball record of 6-1 straight up, 2-3-1 against the spread, and 3-3 on totals. Additionally, Tennessee has lost only to a strong Kansas game in overtime on a neutral court 87-81. Specifically, the Volunteers rank 39th in the nation for scoring and 43rd for points allowed. Tennessee is one of the favorites to win the Southeastern Conference.
Additional Numbers
Late Tennessee has brought good wagering value as a road dog. The Volunteers have covered four of their last five getting points away from home. Six of UT’s last seven as a road pup have gone under the total. Balanced against that is Gonzaga’s strong betting value overall a favorite. To show the Bulldogs have paid in six of their last seven when laying points. And six of their last seven as chalks have gone over the total.
Team vs. Team
Head to head Gonzaga has dominated Tennessee. For example, the Bulldogs are 4-0 straight up and 3-1 vs. the odds in the last four meetings between these teams. Also, all four games went over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Gonzaga is one of the top values with the college basketball betting line in the country. The trio of Rui Hachimura, Zach Norvell Jr and Bandon Clarke are as good as any in the land. In fact, they are each averaging 17 points per game or better!
Tennessee vs. Gonzaga NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
As mentioned earlier the Zags are a cash cow as a favorite!
NCAA Betting Online Pick: Gonzaga Bulldogs
NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Gonzaga 91, Tennessee 79
Catch highlights of the Zags recent win over Duke!