Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Tennessee Volunteers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/21/25
The Bulldogs and Volunteers are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN2. The Volunteers will host the game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, TN. The over/under for this game is set at 140.5 points, and Tennessee is favored by -7.5 vs. Mississippi State in a Southeastern conference matchup.
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS VS TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Mississippi State Bulldogs +7.5
This game will be played at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, January 21st.
WHY BET THE MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-71 in favor of the Volunteers.
- Even though we have Tennessee winning straight-up, we like Mississippi State at +7.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 140.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.
Is a Road Win Possible for Mississippi State?
Mississippi State Bulldogs Recent Game/Games
Mississippi State improved to 15-3 on the season with an 84-81 win over Ole Miss on Saturday. The Bulldogs, who were -5.5 favorites, didn’t cover the spread, but they got the win at home. The total points for the game reached 165, going over the pre-game line of 147.5.
Mississippi State led 37-29 at halftime but allowed 45 points in the 2nd half while scoring 37 of their own. Despite the defensive lapse, they managed to hold on for the win.
In their latest game, Mississippi State put up 84 points, shooting 44.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 52.3%. They connected on 9 of 27 three-point attempts (33.3%) and hit 52.6% of their two-point shots. At the free-throw line, they made 17 of 28 attempts, good for 60.7%.
Riley Kugel led the way with 21 points, hitting 4 of 8 from deep, while Jaemyn Brakefield added 20 points, making 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. KeShawn Murphy contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field. The Bulldogs grabbed 19 offensive rebounds and dished out 15 assists in the win.
Mississippi State’s defense struggled, giving up 81 points on 44% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to hit 52% of their two-point attempts, going 20/38.
From beyond the arc, the Bulldogs allowed 9 threes on 27 attempts, a 33% shooting rate. The other team also went to the line 28 times, making 17 free throws for 60%. Mississippi State gave up 19 offensive rebounds.
Can Tennessee Live Up to the Hype at Home?
Tennessee Volunteers Recent Game
The Volunteers fell to 16-2 on the season after a 76-75 road loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday. Tennessee, who entered the game as -5.5 favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 41-35 at halftime, Tennessee outscored Vanderbilt 40-35 in the second half but couldn’t complete the comeback. The game’s total points reached 151, surpassing the over/under line of 142.5.
Tennessee’s offense put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 48% from the field and 47.6% from three-point range, hitting 10 of 21 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 58%, and they were strong at the free-throw line, making 17 of 21 for 81%.
Felix Okpara was perfect from the field, going 7 for 7, while Zakai Zeigler dished out 10 assists. Jason Edwards led the team with 18 points, and Jaylen Carey grabbed 10 rebounds. The Volunteers had 16 assists as a team and pulled down 8 offensive rebounds.
Even with Tennessee giving up 76 points, the Volunteers couldn’t capitalize, allowing their opponent to shoot 46% from the field. The opposing team found success inside, hitting 51% of their two-point attempts (18/35).
From beyond the arc, Tennessee’s defense allowed 8 threes on 21 attempts, a 38% shooting rate. The Volunteers also sent their opponent to the line 19 times, where they converted 16 free throws (84%).