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Tennessee Volunteers vs Louisville Cardinals Betting Preview
Tennessee Volunteers (7-3) host the Louisville Cardinals (9-1) on Tuesday night in Knoxville. Tennessee looks to rebound from a three-game skid and lineup changes, while Louisville seeks to extend its hot streak against a ranked SEC opponent.
Line Movement and Odds
- Tennessee Volunteers Spread: -2.5
- Louisville Cardinals Spread: +2.5
- Tennessee Volunteers MoneyLine: -140
- Louisville Cardinals MoneyLine: +115
- Total: 147.5
Tennessee opened as a slight favorite, reflecting their home-court dominance (41 straight nonconference home wins) despite recent struggles. Louisville’s offensive explosion against Memphis has kept bettors intrigued, but oddsmakers expect Tennessee’s size and physicality to be decisive. The total of 147.5 points suggests expectations for a competitive, moderately high-scoring contest. See updated numbers and market shifts on the College Basketball Odds page.
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Matchup Breakdown
Tennessee Volunteers Outlook
The Volunteers return home after a long layoff and a loss to Illinois. Freshman DeWayne Brown II will make his first start, replacing injured Cade Phillips. Tennessee’s frontcourt features Felix Okpara (7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Nate Ament (16.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg), and J.P. Estrella (11.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Senior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie leads with 17.3 points per game. Coach Rick Barnes emphasized consistency and effort, noting the team’s struggles at the free-throw line (16-of-33 in last two games). Tennessee remains undefeated at home this season (5-0).
Louisville Cardinals Outlook
The Cardinals dominated Memphis 99-73, shooting 55.6% from the field and 51.4% from three. Ryan Conwell leads with 19.4 points per game, while freshman Mikel Brown Jr. adds 16.6 points and strong playmaking. Sananda Fru (10.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg) anchors the frontcourt, with Kasean Pryor providing energy off the bench. Louisville’s only loss came at Arkansas, where foul trouble proved costly. Coach Pat Kelsey praised his team’s defensive intensity and readiness for Tennessee’s physicality.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
Tennessee’s frontcourt size versus Louisville’s perimeter shooting is the focal battle. The Volunteers must dominate the boards and improve free-throw shooting, while the Cardinals rely on Conwell and Brown Jr. to stretch the defense and maintain offensive rhythm.
Injuries / Availability
Tennessee: Cade Phillips (shoulder) out for season.
Louisville: Full roster available.
Betting Trends
- Tennessee has won 41 straight nonconference home games.
- Ament has scored 18+ points in six games this season.
- Louisville is 9-1, with its only loss at Arkansas.
- Conwell leads Louisville with 19.4 points per game.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Tennessee 76, Louisville 72
- Pick: Tennessee -2.5. The Volunteers’ home-court streak and frontcourt depth should carry them to victory.
- Total: Under 147.5. Defensive adjustments and physical play point to a slightly lower-scoring outcome.
Expect Tennessee to bounce back at home, with Gillespie and Ament leading the way, while Louisville’s perimeter shooting keeps the game close.
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