NCAAB Saturday March 5th Arkansas at Tennessee Betting Preview
Share of the SEC Title Possibly on the Line
The winner of the March 5th Arkansas at Tennessee betting contest is going to become huge South Carolina fans on Saturday afternoon. If the Gamecocks can score the upset over #5 Auburn on the road, then the Hogs/Vols winner captures a share of the SEC regular season crown.
While a South Carolina win against an Auburn team that is undefeated at home is unlikely, Arkansas and Tennessee still want a win to keep their momentum going into the conference tournament. The Razorbacks have won five in a row and can claim the season sweep over UT with the victory. The Volunteers have won three in a row, 8 of their last 9, and try to close out a perfect 16-0 record at home.
Arkansas Prepping for Postseason Success
#14 Arkansas (24-6) definitely has a challenge on Saturday trying to hand Tennessee their first and only loss in Knoxville this season. That being said, the Razorbacks have won five in a row and 14 of their last 15 so they seem like they’ll be up to the task.
The Razorbacks only loss since January 6th was on the road, but it was a hard fought 68-67 defeat at Alabama as +6 point underdogs. Arkansas has played three of their last four at home recently though, all wins – including beating these Volunteers 58-48 to cover the -2 point spread.
The Arkansas defense swarmed Tennessee in the first meeting holding them to just 27% shooting from the field and 17% from three. The Razorbacks have the #15 rated adjusted defensive efficiency in the nation, but they still give up a decent amount of points – 67.8 which is 8th in the SEC.
Home Cooking for Tennessee
The Volunteers try to close out a perfect slate at Thompson-Boling Arena this season as -6 point favorites on Saturday afternoon. Tennessee had an expected letdown game on Tuesday beating Georgia 75-68 but as -15.5 favorites. The Vols had just beaten then #3 Auburn 67-62 over the weekend so UT did come out a bit flat on the road in Athens.
Rick Barnes should have his team amped back up at home in the March 5th Arkansas at Tennessee betting matchup, trying to avenge their only loss over the month of February. They had their lowest point total of the season in the first meeting with the Razorbacks as well as their statistically worst scooting game as well. Kennedy Chandler and Zekei Zigler were the only Tennessee players to score in double figures in that game, and the Volunteers had no answer for Arkansas’ 6’10 forward Jaylin Williams who grabbed 16 rebounds.
#13 Tennessee (22-7) ranks 3rd in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency, so are we looking at another low scoring game on Saturday (O/U 139.5)?
Free March 5th Arkansas at Tennessee Betting Pick
An overwhelming amount of the public like Arkansas getting the points in what looks like two closely matched teams. The Vols have a 13 point win over then #4 Kentucky on February 15th and beat #3 Auburn by 5 points in their last two home games. It wouldn’t be a shock for Tennessee to push this one to a 7-8 point margin of victory as they try to close out a perfect home slate.
Tennessee 73 – Arkansas 64
Free Pick: Tennessee -6
