Game Details:
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:50 p.m. ET
- Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
- Broadcast: TNT
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Tennessee -18.5
- Moneyline: Tennessee -3000 | Wofford +1300
- Over/Under: 133.5 points
Tennessee Volunteers Overview (27-7, 12-6 SEC)
Under head coach Rick Barnes, the Tennessee Volunteers earned a No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region thanks to a strong SEC season. They’re anchored by one of the nation’s best defenses, allowing just 63.0 points per game, while their offense averages a solid 74.7 points per game on 45.2% shooting.
Key Players:
- Chaz Lanier (17.7 PPG): A dynamic scorer who stretches the floor and attacks the rim.
- Igor Milicic Jr. (6.9 RPG): Versatile forward contributing on both ends, especially with rebounding.
- Zakai Zeigler (7.3 APG): The floor general, controlling tempo and creating opportunities.
Tennessee Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 17-16-1 (51.5%)
- Strong defensively but sometimes inconsistent against large spreads.
Wofford Terriers Overview (19-15, 10-8 SoCon)
Led by Dwight Perry, Wofford won the Southern Conference Tournament to earn their sixth NCAA Tournament appearance. Offensively, they average 75.3 points per game, shooting 47.1% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range, while allowing 69.8 points per game defensively.
Key Players:
- Corey Tripp (14.3 PPG, 3.2 APG): Wofford’s primary offensive weapon, capable of creating his own shot.
- Kyler Filewich (11.9 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 57.6% FG): Physical presence in the paint and key rebounder.
Wofford Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 16-16-0 (50.0%)
- Balanced offense often keeps games close, but spread records vary.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Perimeter Play:
Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier will challenge Wofford’s perimeter defense, while Wofford’s Corey Tripp will attempt to penetrate Tennessee’s stout defense and create shots. - Rebounding Battle:
Igor Milicic Jr. vs. Kyler Filewich — both will be crucial on the boards, with second-chance opportunities key for both teams.
Betting Angles & Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- Tennessee: 17-16-1 ATS (51.5%)
- Wofford: 16-16-0 ATS (50.0%)
- Over/Under Trends:
- Tennessee: Under in 15 of 34 games (44.1%)
- Wofford: Over in 17 of 34 games (50.0%)
The 133.5-point total reflects Tennessee’s defensive ability and slower pace, with potential for a lower-scoring game.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets:
🔥 Best Bet: Under 133.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: Wofford +18.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Chaz Lanier Over 18.5 points
Final Thoughts: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Wofford Terriers Preview
This first-round matchup offers a clash of styles between Tennessee’s elite defense and Wofford’s efficient offense. Tennessee should advance, but Wofford’s disciplined play and perimeter shooting could help them stay within the spread. Bettors should focus on the Under and potential cover value with Wofford.
