Alabama (23-5) at Tennessee (23-5)
- When: Mar 1 2025, 4:00 PM
- Where: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
SEC Heavyweight Battle: Alabama vs. Tennessee
Tennessee Favored by 3.5 | Total Set at 158.0
A high-stakes SEC showdown is set for Saturday as No. 6 Alabama visits No. 5 Tennessee in Knoxville. The Crimson Tide (23-5, 12-3 SEC) are riding high after a dominant 111-73 rout of Mississippi State, while the Volunteers (23-5, 10-5 SEC) are looking to extend their three-game winning streak and maintain their defensive dominance.
Alabama boasts the highest-scoring offense in the country, while Tennessee thrives on elite defense. This sets up a classic offense vs. defense matchup with major conference implications.
Alabama Outlook: Offense in Overdrive
The Crimson Tide made a statement Tuesday night, exploding for 111 points against a ranked Mississippi State squad. Mark Sears led the charge, and Alabama’s offensive firepower was on full display as they built a 26-point halftime lead.
Despite the dominant victory, head coach Nate Oats still wasn’t completely satisfied, particularly with the defensive effort.
“We’ve got to have a disposition to get stops and really try to get a defensive mindset no matter what the score is,” Oats said.
While defense remains a work in progress, Alabama’s offense is lethal, averaging 91.5 points per game—the highest mark in the nation. Mark Sears (19.0 PPG, 5.0 APG) continues to be the engine, while Aden Holloway (12.0 PPG) and Grant Nelson (12.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 36 blocks) provide additional scoring and rebounding.
Key Trends for Alabama:
9-2 in their last 11 games.
Top-scoring offense in the country (91.5 PPG).
6-1 ATS in their last seven games as an underdog.
Tennessee Outlook: Defense Wins Games
While Alabama thrives on scoring, Tennessee dominates on the defensive end. The Volunteers allow just 60.8 points per game, making them one of the most stifling teams in the country.
When the Vols make shots, they win—but when they struggle offensively, they can look downright bad. Their worst loss of the season came in a 73-43 disaster against Florida, where they shot just 4-of-29 from three and managed only 12 total field goals.
However, Tennessee’s offense has improved in their last three games, and their three-point shooting is heating up. Chaz Lanier (17.8 PPG) dropped 30 points against Texas A&M last weekend while hitting a career-best 8-of-13 from deep.
Other key contributors include Zakai Zeigler (13.6 PPG, 7.3 APG) running the offense, while Igor Milicic Jr. (7.6 RPG) and Felix Okpara (6.4 RPG) control the glass.
Defense remains Tennessee’s identity, though, with LSU coach Matt McMahon praising Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack as two of the top defenders in the country.
Key Trends for Tennessee:
Ranked 6th in the country in scoring defense (60.8 PPG allowed).
Held LSU to just 59 points in their last game.
Won the last three meetings vs. Alabama.
Prediction & Betting Angles
This is a clash of styles, with Alabama’s elite offense trying to break down Tennessee’s stifling defense. The Volunteers have dominated this series recently, winning three straight, and are tough to beat at home.
However, Alabama has more firepower and is playing some of its best basketball of the season. If Tennessee can dictate the pace and force Alabama into a half-court battle, the Vols have a clear edge.
Final Prediction:
Tennessee -3.5 covers in a close game.
Over 158 hits, as Alabama’s pace keeps the scoring high.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
