Juan Pablo Aravena
The Volunteers’ path to erasing the resounding fall of the previous March Madness begins relatively easy, since the number seven in the nation will have to face Longwood, a team that won the Big South Tournament comfortably, but that throughout the year was measured to just one Top 100 team in the country. In this brief preview we bring you all the details, odds and predictions so that you can place your bet with the best coverage.
Picks and Predictions for the Longwood Lancers vs Tennessee Volunteers NCAA Basketball Championship Round 1 Game on March 17 2022
- Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, Indiana
- When: Thursday, March 17th, 2:45 PM ET
- Betting Line: Longwood Lancers (+17) vs Tennessee Volunteers (-17)
Longwood Lancers Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 26-6
- Conference Record: 15-1
- Spread: +17
- Over/Under: Over 132
- Moneyline: +1200
The Lancers have a dynamic offense since they have the ability to get to the baseline well and recover from missed shots, something they must do very often since they miss averaging just 53% of shots in the paint. While Longwood’s numbers are promising, his schedule is far from easy. Longwood only played with one team ranked above the Top 100 all season and does not have a win against a Top 150 team.
However, they swept the Big South and thanks to their 15-1 record in the Conference the Lancers earned an automatic bye to the big dance in March. For his part, his reference is shooting guard Justin Hill and forward DeShaun Wade, key pieces for Longwood to be one of the best teams in the nation in three-point shooting percentage.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview
- Overall Record: 26-7
- Conference Record: 14-4
- Spread: -17
- Over/Under: Over 132
- Moneyline: -2500
The Volunteers have been one of the most consistent teams in recent seasons and this year was no exception as they defeated the likes of Arizona, LSU, Kentucky, Auburn and Arkansas, while none of their seven losses came to a world-ranked team. rank 25 and below. One thing to take into account with Tennessee is that all their losses came as visitors, so in a tournament like March Madness, where you play everything on a neutral field, they must urgently change this shortcoming.
Where the Volunteers shine is on defense, as they rank third in the nation and 13th in opponent turnover percentage. This allows them to match up against any team in the nation, even if they are on the offensive side of the ball.
JefeBet Prediction
I don’t think there will be any surprises in this duel. Tennessee wins comfortably, although I think 17 spread points is a lot for this stage of the tournament. That’s why we’re going with the Longwood spread, even if the Vols will win with ease.
