Arkansas (11-2) at Tennessee (13-0)
- When: Jan 4 2025, 1:00 PM
- Where: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Tennessee vs. Arkansas Betting Preview and Prediction
Line: Tennessee -12.5 | Total: 143.0
Tennessee, the nation’s top-ranked team, heads into SEC play with a flawless 13-0 record—their best start in over a century. Yet, head coach Rick Barnes isn’t letting his team get complacent, emphasizing that rankings are meaningless as they face a tough test against No. 23 Arkansas (11-2) on Saturday in Knoxville.
Barnes has a point: SEC play resets the slate. The Volunteers are chasing history, hoping to match their school-best 14-0 start from 1922-23. Tennessee’s dominance has been on full display, with seven wins by 20+ points. Their lone close call was a narrow 66-64 road win over Illinois in mid-December.
The Volunteers wrapped up non-conference play with a 67-52 victory against Norfolk State. Chaz Lanier, who averages a team-best 19.6 points per game and shoots a scorching 45.9% from beyond the arc, notched his sixth 20-point game of the season. Barnes sees even more potential in Lanier, urging him to improve his pace in transition.
Point guard Zakai Zeigler remains a vital piece, dishing out 8.1 assists per game and boasting 577 career assists—good for second in program history.
Arkansas Ready for a Statement Win
The Razorbacks aren’t backing down. Freshman point guard Boogie Fland is turning heads, averaging 15.9 points and 6.2 assists while committing just five turnovers in his last four games. He posted a season-high 24 points and drained five three-pointers in Arkansas’ 92-62 win over Oakland. Razorbacks coach John Calipari praised Fland’s competitive spirit, saying, “When he’s locked in, he’s as good as anyone.”
Fland’s showdown with Tennessee’s Zeigler, both New York natives, promises to be a highlight. “It’s going to be a battle,” Fland said. “Two guys from New York going all out.”
Adou Thiero leads Arkansas in scoring, averaging 17.8 points on an impressive 62.1% shooting clip. The Razorbacks have strung together six straight wins, including an 89-87 thriller over Michigan. Now they’re eyeing another signature victory to kick off SEC play.
Arkansas also benefits from the return of guard Johnell Davis (9.2 PPG), who missed two games with a wrist injury. Forward Jonas Aidoo, a former Volunteer, adds intrigue, averaging 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds after transferring from Tennessee.
Matchup History and Betting Angle
Last season, Tennessee dismantled Arkansas 92-63 in Fayetteville, dominating the second half 46-23. However, this Arkansas team appears more resilient, capable of keeping games tight, especially with their newfound depth and momentum.
Prediction:
Tennessee’s home-court advantage and elite defense make them the clear favorite, but the double-digit spread could be risky against an Arkansas team that’s finding its stride. Look for Arkansas to cover the +12.5 spread in a closer-than-expected battle. However, the total of 143 is enticing for the under, given the defensive prowess on both sides. Expect a physical, grind-it-out game with Tennessee ultimately prevailing by single digits.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
