UCLA vs Tennessee Predictions, Odds, and Picks

• 7-seed UCLA and 10-seed Tennessee battle for a spot in the Sweet 16 on March 22
• These two programs have only played each other once before when UCLA won 103-79 in 1979
• See below for my UCLA vs Tennessee predictions, odds, and picks

UCLA (23-10, 19-13-1 ATS) plays Tennessee (28-7, 18-7 ATS) in the Round of 32 in the Midwest Region. Both teams head into this game after blowout wins. UCLA beat 10-seed Utah State 72-47, while the Volunteers defeated 15-seed Wofford 77-62 in the Round of 64. The winner of this game will play the winner of #6 Illinois and #3 Kentucky.

Tipoff for this Round of 32 matchup is scheduled for 9:40 pm ET at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY.

Keep reading for the latest UCLA vs Tennessee odds and my predictions and best bets.

UCLA vs Tennessee Odds

Tennessee opened as a 4.5-point favorite in the college basketball odds but is now up to -5.5. The total opened at O/U 128.5 and moved up quickly to 131.5.

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UCLA vs Tennessee Betting Splits

Drake vs Texas Tech public betting splits as of 2:50 pm ET, March 22

The college basketball betting splits show that the public likes Tennessee, giving them 73% of the bets. The money, however, is coming in on the underdog to cover the spread with 54% of the betting handle being on the Bruins.

The public is overwhelmingly on Tennessee to win outright with 92% of the bets being on Tennessee moneyline.

The O/U public betting is split pretty evenly between the bets and the betting handle.

UCLA vs Tennessee Prediction (Midwest Region)

In what should be a great, hard-fought game, I am predicting that Tennessee not only beats UCLA but covers the spread as well. These are two of the best defensive teams in the country as they are both rated in the top 15 in defensive efficiency. The Volunteers have won eight of their last ten games and are clicking heading into the tournament.

UCLA vs Tennessee KenPom Comparison

Tennessee is known for its defense and allows opponents to shoot just 38% from the field, but their scoring has also been impressive. Chaz Lanier can pull up from anywhere and knock down shots. He is averaging 18 points per game and is fresh off a 29-point game vs Wofford.

UCLA will need to limit Lanier and point guard Zakai Zeigler if they want to stay in this game. They do have the defense to do it, but it will not be easy. UCLA has covered the spread in seven of their last ten games and just held Utah State to 47 points in the Round of 64.

Even if Zeigler is not scoring the ball, the offense runs through him, and he is one of the best passers in the country. He always finds a way to get the ball to Lanier, Igor Milicic, or any teammate in a good position. This game will probably be a slower-paced game, and that is how Tennessee wants to play.

UCLA vs Tennessee Picks

With both of these defenses being so talented, I will look towards which team has the better shooters for my pick. That is why I am picking Tennessee to cover the spread vs UCLA. I trust Zeigler, Lanier, and Milicic to knock their shots down more than I do UCLA. Tennessee’s guards are better at perimeter defense and will make things very difficult for UCLA to move the ball around and find quality shots.

Even if they do find some quality shots, they are not the greatest shooting team. I am trusting the better defense with more shooters to win and advance to the Sweet 16. Bet on the Volunteers in the Round of 32.

UCLA vs TENN Pick: Tennessee -5.5 (-102)