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Tennessee vs. Wofford Betting Odds & Lines 📊💸
Spread: Tennessee -18.5 (Wofford +18.5)
Tennessee is favored by 18.5 points. To cover the spread, the Vols need to win by 19+. Wofford can cover if they lose by 18 or fewer (or win outright). Large spreads in March can be tricky 😬, so keep an eye on whether Wofford can stay close enough to make a backdoor cover if Tennessee eases up late. Wofford has a respectable offense that could potentially exploit Tennessee’s lapses in focus. 👀
Moneyline: Tennessee -3226 | Wofford +1390
Tennessee’s moneyline reflects a near 97% win probability. Wofford’s odds show a massive underdog situation, making their outright win a long shot. Tennessee has historically been strong in the first round, and their prior victory over Wofford this season adds to their confidence.
Total (Over/Under): 133.5 points
The over/under is set at 133.5, suggesting a moderately low-scoring game. Tennessee’s elite defense makes unders attractive, but Wofford’s high-scoring offense could push the game over. Tennessee’s strong defense allows just 63.0 points per game, while Wofford scores 75.3 PPG on average.
Betting Takeaway: Tennessee is a significant favorite, but Wofford’s offense might keep it closer than expected, potentially covering the spread. The over has value based on Wofford’s pace and Tennessee’s ability to score on weak defense.
Team Breakdown: Tennessee vs. Wofford 🏀
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee (27-7) comes from the rugged SEC and boasts one of the nation’s top defenses. The Volunteers surrender only 63.0 points per game (11th-best in D-I) on 38.2% shooting (No. 2 nationally) – an elite defensive profile. Coach Rick Barnes’ squad plays physical, half-court defense, contesting every shot. In fact, Tennessee’s opponent field goal rate is so low that no team Wofford has faced all year defends better. The Vols’ defensive efficiency ranks in the nation’s top 10, and they’re especially tough inside. Tennessee also commits just 9.6 turnovers per game, minimizing self-inflicted mistakes.
Offensively, the Vols are balanced but not explosive. They score 74.7 PPG and shoot 45.5% from the floor – decent but not overwhelming. Tennessee often relies on grinding out wins with defense, but they can still put up points, especially against a weaker defense like Wofford’s. One concern for Tennessee is rebounding. Despite averaging a solid 33.4 rebounds per game, they struggled on the boards in their SEC title game loss to Florida.
Wofford Terriers
Wofford (19-15) earned its bid by catching fire in the SoCon Tournament. As a No. 6 seed in their conference tourney, the Terriers upset their way to the title, winning the championship 92-85 behind hot second-half shooting. This is Wofford’s first NCAA appearance since 2019, and they come in riding momentum and the classic underdog mentality.
Offensively, Wofford is no slouch – they average 75.3 points on 45.4% shooting, ranking 69th nationally in offensive efficiency. The Terriers love the three-ball and can score in bunches when they get rolling. In the SoCon final, they hit 14 of 28 threes, showcasing the kind of shooting that could keep them in a game even against a defense as strong as Tennessee’s. 🏹
Defensively, however, Wofford faces a huge challenge. The Terriers allow 69.8 PPG and rank a woeful 231st in defensive efficiency. They don’t force many turnovers and can be beaten both on the perimeter and in the paint. Opponents shoot 43.5% against Wofford, and the Terriers lack rim protection. This is a mismatch when Tennessee has the ball.
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Tennessee vs. Wofford Head-to-Head Stats Comparison 📈👑
| Category | Tennessee Vols (3) | Wofford Terriers (14) |
| Record (W-L) | 27-7 (SEC runner-up) | 19-15 (SoCon champs) |
| Points per Game | 74.7 | 75.3 |
| Points Allowed | 63.0 | 69.8 |
| Field Goal % | 45.5% | 45.4% |
| Opponent FG % | 38.2% | 43.5% |
| 3PT Made per Game | 8.3 | 8.6 (allowed) |
| Rebounds per Game | 33.4 | 34.7 |
| Assists per Game | 15.5 | 15.0 |
| Turnovers per Game | 9.6 | 9.9 |
| KenPom Efficiency | AdjD: Top 5 (elite) | AdjO: 69th (offense) |
Key Players to Watch 👀
Tennessee Volunteers
- Chaz Lanier (G) – The leading scorer for Tennessee, averaging 18.1 points per game. Lanier’s ability to score from all areas of the floor will be crucial, especially in drawing Wofford’s defense away from the basket.
- Zakai Zeigler (PG) – A quick, playmaking guard who averages 7.4 assists per game. Zeigler’s role as a floor general is key to controlling tempo and creating opportunities for his teammates. He’ll also need to limit Wofford’s Corey Tripp with his defense.
- Igor Milicic Jr. (F) – A versatile forward contributing both offensively and defensively, averaging 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Milicic will be crucial in limiting Wofford’s second-chance points and battling on the glass.
Wofford Terriers
- Corey Tripp (G) – The go-to scorer for Wofford, averaging 14.3 points per game . Tripp is a confident scorer and will be key in carrying the offensive load against Tennessee’s defense.
- Kyler Filewich (C) – A 6’9” big man who averages around 9.4 rebounds a game and was named the SoCon Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player: Filewich’s matchup against Tennessee’s frontcourt will be critical in limiting second-chance opportunities and slowing down the pace.
- Dillon Bailey (G/F) – A sharpshooter who shoots better than 45% from three-point range. Bailey’s perimeter shooting could be Wofford’s best chance to keep the game competitive and pull off an upset.
Predictions & Best Bets 🎯💰
- Straight-Up Winner: Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee’s defensive strength and depth should prove too much for Wofford, and they are likely to win this game.
- Against the Spread: Wofford +18.5. Tennessee is favored to win, but covering such a large spread is no guarantee, especially with Wofford’s capable offense. A backdoor cover could be in play if the Terriers keep it close.
- Over/Under: Over 133.5. The game could end up slightly over the total, given Wofford’s ability to score and Tennessee’s efficiency on offense.
Final Score Prediction
Tennessee 78, Wofford 62. Tennessee wins by around 16 points, and the total points go slightly over 133.5.
X-Factor
Early tournament nerves could affect Tennessee’s start. If Wofford hits some shots early, the pressure could mount on the Volunteers. The first 10 minutes will be crucial for setting the tone of the game. Ultimately, Tennessee’s talent should prevail, but expect a fight from Wofford.
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