Tennessee (14-0) at Florida (13-1)
- When: Jan 7 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Exactech Arena, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Tennessee (#1) @ Florida (#8)
Moneyline
Tennessee (#1) +160
Florida (#8) -185
Tennessee (#1) @ Florida (#8)
Point Spread
Tennessee (#1) 3.5 (-105)
Florida (#8) -3.5 (-115)
Tennessee (#1) @ Florida (#8)
Total
Over 150.0 (-110)
Under 150.0 (-110)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Team Stats
| Tennessee | Florida | |
| 14-0 | Record | 13-1 |
| 2-0 | Away & Home | 7-0 |
| 9-4-1 | ATS | 10-4-0 |
| 5-9-0 | O/U | 6-8-0 |
Last Matchup:
TENN 85-66, January 16th, 2024
Game Preview
Top-ranked Tennessee is chasing history as it heads to Gainesville for a crucial SEC showdown against No. 8 Florida on Tuesday night. The Volunteers (14-0, 1-0 SEC) aim to break the program’s best-ever start, matching the 1922-23 team’s 14-game streak. On the other side, the Gators (13-1, 0-1 SEC) are licking their wounds after a 106-100 loss to Kentucky that ended their hopes of tying the 2005-06 team’s historic 17-0 run.
Florida’s Defensive Struggles
Florida’s high-scoring offense, led by guard Walter Clayton Jr., put up 100 points in their last game, but their defense fell apart. Clayton was outstanding, dropping 33 points and hitting six three-pointers. However, his efforts weren’t enough to make up for a defense that allowed Kentucky to run wild.
“We didn’t take anything away from them,” Clayton admitted after the loss. “We let them get comfortable and didn’t stick to the game plan.”
Clayton’s sharpshooting (43 three-pointers this season) keeps Florida in games, but their defense needs a serious bounce-back to compete with Tennessee’s efficient attack.
Tennessee’s Dominance
Tennessee made a statement in its SEC opener with a 76-52 thrashing of Arkansas. The Volunteers’ defense smothered the Razorbacks while Chaz Lanier lit up the scoreboard with 29 points, his third consecutive 20+ point game. Lanier, a North Florida transfer, leads the Vols with 20.3 points per game and has hit 56 three-pointers this season. Forward Igor Milicic Jr. also shined, recording 13 points and a career-high 18 rebounds.
Head coach Rick Barnes praised the veteran duo, emphasizing their leadership and humility.
“These guys want to be coached and pushed,” Barnes said. “Their unselfishness makes the team better.”
The Volunteers have won eight games by 20 points or more and boast one of the nation’s best defenses, allowing just 55.9 points per game.
Florida’s X-Factor: Alijah Martin
Alijah Martin, a Florida Atlantic transfer, has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 15.9 points per game. He added 26 points and five threes against Kentucky. If Florida hopes to pull off the upset, Martin and Clayton must be in sync offensively and help lock down Tennessee’s perimeter shooters.
Head-to-Head History
Tennessee dominated Florida 85-66 in last season’s lone meeting, with now-departed Dalton Knecht scoring 39 points. The Volunteers have taken eight of the last 10 matchups, making them a tough opponent for the Gators at home.
Betting Prediction
Spread Pick: Tennessee +3.5 & ML +160
Tennessee’s elite defense and offensive versatility give them the edge, even as underdogs. Their ability to stay poised in hostile environments has been proven.
Total Pick: Over 150
Florida’s defensive lapses could turn this into a high-scoring affair. With both teams boasting multiple scorers who can catch fire from deep, the over looks appealing.
Tennessee has shown they can win big games on the road, and while Florida’s offense is potent, their defensive flaws may be too glaring to overcome.
NCAA Basketball Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Tennessee 80-75
Expert Pick: Tennessee (+160) & Under 150
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $496
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
