Arkansas Razorbacks vs Tennessee Volunteers Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Arkansas vs Tennessee NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Knoxville.

Arkansas vs Tennessee Prediction

Planning on watching today's Razorbacks and Volunteers game? Catch the action at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, TN, as the Volunteers hosts this showdown at 1:00 ET on ESPN. The over/under for this game is set at 143.5 points, and Tennessee is favored by -11.5 vs. Arkansas in a Southeastern conference matchup.

Arkansas vs. Tennessee Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Arkansas Razorbacks at Tennessee Volunteers
Where: Knoxville at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
Date: Saturday, January 4th
Betting Odds TENN -11.5, ARK +500 | TENN -730 O/U 143.5

Razorbacks Preview: Does Arkansas Have a Shot at a Road Win?

Arkansas improved to 11-2 on the season with a dominant 92-62 win over Oakland on Monday. The Razorbacks, who were -16.5 point favorites, covered the spread in the victory.

After leading 42-39 at halftime, Arkansas clamped down defensively, allowing just 23 points in the 2nd half while scoring 50. The game’s total points of 154 exceeded the over/under line of 139.5.

Razorbacks Offense Breakdown

In their latest game, the Razorbacks put up 92 points, shooting 60.3% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 69%. They hit 69.4% of their two-point attempts and 45.5% from beyond the arc, going 10-for-22 from three-point range. At the free-throw line, they connected on 85.7%, making 12 of 14 attempts.

Adou Thiero and Boogie Fland each scored 22 points, with Fland hitting 5 threes at a 62.5% clip. Thiero added 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while Fland also dished out 6 assists. The Razorbacks finished with 21 assists as a team, with Karter Knox and Allen Mukeba each contributing 17 points.

Razorbacks Team Defense

Even though Arkansas gave up 62 points, their defense struggled, allowing the opposing team to shoot 60% from the field. The Razorbacks couldn't contain the two-point shooting, where they allowed 25 of 36 shots to fall, a 69% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Arkansas allowed 10 threes on 22 attempts, a 45% shooting performance. The Razorbacks also sent the other team to the line 14 times, where they converted 12 free throws, shooting 85%. Arkansas gave up 6 offensive rebounds.

Volunteers Preview: Can Tennessee Secure a Home Victory?

Tennessee Volunteers Recent Game/Games

Tennessee improved to 13-0 with a 67-52 win over Norfolk State on Tuesday. The Volunteers were heavy favorites at -30, but they didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 119, falling short of the 140.5 O/U line.

Leading 35-28 at halftime, Tennessee held Norfolk State to 24 points in the 2nd half while scoring 32. The Volunteers’ defense played a key role in the win, but the offense didn’t produce enough to meet the pre-game expectations.

Volunteers Offense Breakdown

In their latest game, Tennessee's offense put up 67 points, shooting 42.6% from the field. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 25.8% on 8-of-31 attempts, while connecting on 65.2% of their two-point shots. At the free-throw line, they were efficient, making 81.2% of their attempts.

Chaz Lanier led the way with 24 points, hitting 6-of-16 from three-point range. Christian Ings added 19 points and 4 assists, and Brian Moore Jr. contributed 18 points, knocking down 2-of-3 from deep. The Volunteers also grabbed 10 offensive rebounds and dished out 14 assists as a team.

Volunteers Team Defense

Even with Tennessee allowing 52 points, their defense couldn't stop the Volunteers from shooting 42% overall, as they went 23/54 from the field. Tennessee was particularly effective inside, hitting 65% of their two-point attempts, going 15/23.

From beyond the arc, Tennessee struggled, making just 8 of their 31 three-point attempts for 25%. They did manage to get to the free-throw line 16 times, converting 13 of those for 81%. Tennessee also gave up 10 offensive rebounds.

Razorbacks vs Volunteers Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across the Razorbacks last three road games, the team averaged 82 points per game while allowing 72. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 3-0 straight-up.
Through their last ten home games, Tennessee has an ATS record of just 5-4-1. However, their overall record was 8-2 while averaging 76 points per game.
Looking back on the team's last ten games as the underdog, the Razorbacks have a straight up record of 2-8. Their record vs the spread in these games was 5-5.
Across their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Volunteers have an overall record of 3-0 while going 1-2 against the spread.