Sports Betting Picks

Tennessee vs Virginia Pick & Prediction for November 21, 2024

The No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers and No. 22 Virginia Cavaliers face off Thursday night in a high-stakes battle at the Baha Mar Hoops tournament in Nassau, Bahamas. Both teams enter the game unbeaten, with contrasting styles of play that make this matchup a chess match between offensive firepower and defensive discipline.

Tennessee (4-0) has been dominant on offense, averaging 88 points per game and shooting an incredible 58.1% from the field. Virginia (3-0), on the other hand, has smothered opponents defensively, allowing just 53.7 points per game and holding teams to 33.8% shooting. With both teams seeking to advance to the championship round on Friday, the stakes are high in this early-season test of strength.

The Volunteers come off a 103-68 blowout win over Austin Peay, where they displayed their offensive depth and efficiency. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers defeated Villanova 70-60 in their last outing, relying on stifling defense and precision three-point shooting to secure the victory.

Tennessee Volunteers Preview

Tennessee’s offense has been clicking on all cylinders, and their 4-0 start is a testament to their balanced scoring attack. In their latest win, Igor Milicic Jr. led the way with 23 points and nine rebounds, marking his second consecutive dominant performance. Milicic has been a standout player, averaging 14 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while Zakai Zeigler continues to orchestrate the offense with 15.5 points and 7.8 assists per contest.

The Volunteers have showcased their ability to build early leads and maintain control, trailing for just 94 seconds across their first four games. Their win over Austin Peay highlighted their three-point shooting prowess, as they shot 63.8% from the field, including 9-for-13 from beyond the arc in the first half. Rick Barnes has emphasized the importance of strong starts, and his team has delivered consistently.

Depth is another strength for Tennessee, with players like Chaz Lanier and Jordan Gainey also contributing double-digit scoring averages. Their ability to spread the floor and find open looks has made them a nightmare for opposing defenses. Against Virginia’s disciplined defense, the Volunteers will need to execute their offensive sets with precision and maintain their high shooting efficiency.

Virginia Cavaliers Preview

Virginia’s defensive identity remains its calling card, and interim head coach Ron Sanchez has maintained the team’s tradition of shutting down opponents. The Cavaliers have held all three of their opponents under 60 points this season and are allowing just 53.7 points per game. Their ability to contest shots and protect the paint has been a key factor in their unbeaten start.

Isaac McKneely has been the offensive standout for Virginia, leading the team with 16 points per game. McKneely was exceptional in their win over Villanova, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range en route to a game-high 23 points. Jacob Cofie and Elijah Saunders have also provided consistent scoring, with Cofie leading the team in rebounding at 7.7 boards per game.

Virginia’s offensive efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, has complemented their defense. The Cavaliers rank in the top 10 nationally in three-point shooting at 44.6%, and their unselfish ball movement has led to high-quality looks. Against Tennessee’s high-octane offense, Virginia will rely on their ability to dictate the pace and capitalize on scoring opportunities in transition.

Tennessee vs Virginia Prediction

This matchup features two teams with contrasting styles, making it one of the most intriguing games of the Baha Mar Hoops tournament. Tennessee’s offensive firepower and depth will be tested by Virginia’s disciplined defense, while the Cavaliers’ precision shooting will need to overcome the Volunteers’ size and athleticism.

Tennessee’s ability to score in bunches and control the tempo gives them the edge in this matchup. While Virginia’s defense is elite, the Volunteers’ balance and efficiency on offense should allow them to pull away late. Expect a close, competitive game with Tennessee’s offensive depth proving to be the difference.

  • Our Pick: Tennessee -12.5
  • Score Prediction: Tennessee 78, Virginia 62

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *