Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Syracuse vs Tennessee NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Knoxville.
Syracuse vs Tennessee Prediction
The Orange and Volunteers are set to face off at 7:30 ET on ESPN. The Volunteers will host the game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, TN. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 143.5 points, and Tennessee is favored by -18.5 vs. Syracuse.
Syracuse vs. Tennessee Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: Syracuse Orange at Tennessee Volunteers
- Where: Knoxville at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
- Date: Tuesday, December 3rd
- Betting Odds TENN -18.5, SYRA +1183 | TENN -4133 O/U 143.5
Orange Preview: Do the Orange Have What it Takes to Win as Road Underdogs?
Syracuse improved to 7-0 on the season with an 82-72 win over Cornell on Wednesday. Playing at home, the Orange entered the game as -9.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.
After leading 39-28 at halftime, Syracuse scored 43 points in the second half while allowing 44. The combined points of 154 fell short of the 164.5 O/U line.
Orange Offense Breakdown
Syracuse put up 82 points in their last game, shooting 41.1% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 43.8%, with 38.5% shooting from three-point range, hitting 5 of 13 attempts. They were strong at the free-throw line, converting 17 of 20 for 85%.
Donnie Freeman led the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field. Elijah Moore added 19 points, hitting 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, while Guy Ragland Jr. connected on 5 of 9 threes, finishing with 17 points.
Orange Team Defense
Syracuse's defense gave up 72 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 41% from the field on 73 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 25 two-point baskets on 60 attempts, also at a 41% rate.
From three-point range, Syracuse's opponents hit 5 of 13 shots, shooting 38%. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 20 times, where they converted 17 attempts, good for 85%. Syracuse gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.
Volunteers Preview: Will Tennessee Live Up to Expectations at Home?
The Volunteers improved to 7-0 with a dominant 78-35 win over UT Martin on Wednesday. Tennessee, playing at home, entered the game as heavy -37.5 favorites and covered the spread comfortably.
After leading 35-20 at halftime, Tennessee’s defense tightened even more, allowing just 15 points in the 2nd half while scoring 43. The game’s total points (113) fell well short of the 142.5 O/U line.
Volunteers Offense Breakdown
Tennessee's offense put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 47.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 55.6%. Their two-point shooting was outstanding, hitting 76.9% (20/26), but they struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 27% (10/37) of their three-point attempts. They also made 8 of 10 free throws, good for 80%.
The Volunteers dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 20 offensive rebounds and dishing out 22 assists. Chaz Lanier and Josue Grullon each scored 18 points, with Lanier hitting 4 of 13 threes and Grullon making 3 of 10 from deep. Zakai Zeigler added 11 points and 9 assists, also shooting 3 of 10 from three-point range.
Volunteers Team Defense
Even with Tennessee's defense giving up 35 points, they allowed opponents to shoot 47% from the field, including an impressive 76% on two-point attempts (20/26). From beyond the arc, Tennessee's defense held their opponents to 27% shooting, with 10 made threes on 37 attempts.
At the free-throw line, Tennessee's opponents went 8/10, hitting 80% of their shots. Tennessee also gave up 20 offensive rebounds in this game.
Orange vs Volunteers Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- Across their last five road contests, Syracuse has a 3-2 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 2-3, while averaging 75 points per game.
- When looking at their past three matchups at home, Tennessee has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 69 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
- Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Orange have a strong record vs the spread going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 0-3.
- In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Volunteers have a straight up record of 9-1 and an ATS mark of 7-3.
Syracuse vs Tennessee Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: Syracuse +18.5 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.