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Game Preview Tennessee Volunteers @ Houston Cougars
The Tennessee Volunteers will get a second chance against the Houston Cougars in the Player’s Era men’s tournament semifinal Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in Las Vegas. Houston eliminated Tennessee from last year’s NCAA Tournament with a dominant 69-50 win in the Elite Eight, suffocating the Vols with elite first-half defense. Now, both teams enter this neutral-site clash unbeaten at 6-0.
Houston needed overtime to get past Syracuse on Monday, edging out a 78-74 win despite allowing an 11-0 Orange run to close regulation. Veteran guards Emanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan combined for 52 points and scored all 11 Cougar points in OT. Head coach Kelvin Sampson voiced concerns postgame about defensive execution, reminding his players they’re still far from the Final Four form they showed last spring.
Tennessee dominated Rutgers 85-60 in its opening-round game. Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 32 points and hit six threes, while freshman forward Nate Ament added 20. The Vols shot 50.8% from the floor and 50% from deep, showcasing a sharp contrast to their last meeting with Houston, when they scored just 15 first-half points and shot 17% from beyond the arc.
This time around, Tennessee’s improved spacing, ball movement, and perimeter shooting could change the dynamic against one of the top-ranked teams in the country. Houston, meanwhile, brings tournament experience, backcourt leadership, and defensive toughness—despite Sampson’s reservations.
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Odds and Key Information
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Tournament Experience | Houston |
| Perimeter Shooting | Tennessee |
| Rebounding | See NCAAB odds and scores for updates |
| Guard Play | Even |
| Coaching Edge | Houston |
Tennessee Volunteers Outlook
The Volunteers have been red-hot offensively, averaging 81.7 points per game and shooting 49.5% from the field. Gillespie, a transfer from Maryland, leads the backcourt with poise and shot-making, while Nate Ament gives Tennessee much-needed frontcourt scoring.
Head coach Rick Barnes emphasized physicality as a key concern, knowing Houston will test the Vols’ composure and toughness. Tennessee’s 11-for-22 performance from beyond the arc against Rutgers reflects its recent offensive confidence—but that must carry over against the Cougars’ aggressive closeouts and half-court pressure.
Last March, the Vols struggled mightily against Houston’s physical defense, managing just 29% shooting overall and scoring only 50 points. Improved ball security and shot selection will be crucial if Tennessee wants to reverse the outcome.
Houston Cougars Outlook
Houston has held opponents to just 59.2 points per game this season, although Monday’s showing against Syracuse saw some cracks in their defensive identity. The Orange shot 50% in the second half and forced overtime, with the Cougars giving up several late-game scoring runs.
Still, Houston’s strength lies in its veteran guards. Sharp and Uzan have now logged key minutes in tournament and big-game scenarios, and they combined for all of the Cougars’ overtime offense Monday. Their leadership and late-game execution remain a key advantage.
While the Cougars allowed 74 points, they still forced 16 turnovers and benefited from Syracuse missing 17 free throws. Against Tennessee, they’ll need to clean up fouls and tighten rotations—especially around Gillespie’s off-ball movement.
Houston has won 6 of its last 7 neutral-site games and continues to profile as a tough team to fade in tournament settings, even when performance dips.
Betting Trends
- Tennessee is 4-2 ATS and 5-1 to the over this season
- Houston is 5-1 ATS and 4-2 to the under
- The Cougars are 9-2 in their last 11 neutral-site games
- The Volunteers have covered in 3 straight non-conference games
- Last season, Houston beat Tennessee by 19 as 2.5-point favorites
Looking for more angles? Explore the latest NCAAB picks to see how sharp bettors are leaning.
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Prediction
Tuesday’s rematch offers a stark contrast between Tennessee’s offensive momentum and Houston’s defensive pedigree. The Volunteers come in with a sharper perimeter attack and scoring options that weren’t as reliable in their last meeting. Gillespie and Ament provide spacing and shot creation that can challenge Houston’s disciplined defense.
Still, the Cougars’ experience, backcourt leadership, and toughness remain significant assets in close games. If the defense returns to form and Sharp continues his clutch scoring, Houston has the edge. But the spread may be slightly inflated given Tennessee’s recent form.
Projected Score: Houston 71, Tennessee 66
Pick: Tennessee +6.5
Total Lean: Under 138.5
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Whether you’re targeting this matchup or a full NCAAB slate, expert guidance helps you make informed decisions, especially when variables like fatigue, tempo, and coaching come into play.
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