Little Rock Trojans vs Tennessee State Tigers Betting Preview
The Little Rock Trojans travel to Nashville to face the Tennessee State Tigers in an Ohio Valley Conference matchup. Little Rock enters with a 9-11 record and looks to bounce back from a narrow loss to SEMO, while Tennessee State aims to extend its strong home form after a dominant win over Lindenwood. With the Tigers favored by 5.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Little Rock’s perimeter shooting and Tennessee State’s offensive depth.
Line Movement and Odds
Tennessee State enters as the favorite, but Little Rock’s three-point shooting makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:
- Little Rock Spread: +5.5 (-110)
- Tennessee State Spread: -5.5 (-110)
- Little Rock MoneyLine: +185
- Tennessee State MoneyLine: -225
- Total: 155.5 (-110)
For live updates on spreads, totals, and moneylines, follow the College Basketball Odds feed, which refreshes throughout the day.
Matchup Breakdown
Little Rock Outlook
The Trojans average 71.4 points per game, with Johnathan Lawson, Cameron Wallace, and Kachi Nzeh leading the offense. Lawson’s 21 points vs SEMO highlighted his scoring, while Nzeh’s 13 points and six rebounds showcased his versatility. Little Rock’s efficiency (9-11 overall record; 36.8% three-point shooting, 62nd nationally; 45.6% FG) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot effectively from deep makes them dangerous even as underdogs.
Tennessee State Outlook
The Tigers average 81.3 points per game, with Travis Harper II, Aaron Nkrumah, and Dante Harris driving production. Harper’s 30 points vs Lindenwood highlighted his dominance, while Nkrumah and Harris combined for 42 points to showcase depth. Tennessee State’s efficiency (13-7 overall record; 7-1 at home; 45.9% FG; 38.4 rebounds per game, 86th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score consistently and rebound effectively makes them tough to beat at Gentry Center.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on rebounding and perimeter shooting. Little Rock thrives on Lawson’s scoring and Wallace’s consistency, while Tennessee State must rely on Harper’s hot hand and Nkrumah’s balance to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
Little Rock: The Trojans report no fresh injury concerns heading into Thursday’s contest.
Tennessee State: The Tigers are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
Gentry Center has been a fortress for Tennessee State, where they’ve gone 7-1 this season. Little Rock, however, has struggled on the road (4-9), making this a clash of home dominance versus visiting urgency.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Tennessee State 80, Little Rock 72
- Tennessee State -5.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive firepower and rebounding edge suggest they can cover the spread.
- Under 155.5 → Total play. Little Rock’s slower pace points toward a combined score below the line.
Tennessee State’s depth and scoring should carry them to victory, while Little Rock’s perimeter shooting keeps the spread in play. Expect a competitive contest with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
OVC games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Little Rock vs Tennessee State, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.


