Tennessee vs Gardner-Webb Prediction 11-4-24 College Basketball Picks
Gardner-Webb (0-0) vs. Tennessee (0-0)
November 4, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Tennessee -26.5; Over/Under: +140.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers meet Monday in college basketball action at the Food City Center. Here’s a Tennessee vs Gardner-Webb Prediction. This article will include a Tennessee vs Gardner-Webb Pick.
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs follow this game up by playing NC Central and Pittsburgh. Gardner-Webb won 17 games last season and enters year 2 under coach Jeremy Luther.
Isaiah Richards returns after averaging 5.6 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Ademide Badmus averaged 5.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. Shahar Lazar played in 258 minutes last season and Brendan Mykalcio played in 302 minutes. Gardner-Webb lost its top-5 scorers from a year ago, so there’s a lot of production to replace. Gardner-Webb has still won double-digit games in each of its last 14 seasons, so this is an established program that’s used to winning. Don’t write off Gardner-Webb just yet.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview
The Tennessee Volunteers plays Louisville and Montana next. Tennessee won 27 games last season and enters year 10 under coach Rick Barnes.
Zakai Zeigler returns after averaging 11.8 points and 6.1 assists, while Jordan Gainey averaged 6.8 points and 1.7 rebounds. Jahmai Mashack played in 642 minutes last season and Cameron Carr played in 60 minutes. Tennessee lost two of its three double-digit scorers, but Zeigler led the SEC in assists, so he’s a nice player to bring back. Darlinstone Dubar was a baller for Hofstra last season and Igor Milicic Jr. is another high level transfer from Charlotte. Even with losing Dalton Knecht, you can argue the Vols are even better than they were a season ago. Tennessee should be thinking Final Four this season.
Why the Tennessee Volunteers will win
- Tennessee has won each of its last 28 games against non-Conference opponents at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.
- Gardner-Webb has lost each of its last four games against non-Conference opponents.
- Tennessee has won the first half in each of its last 12 games against the Big South Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Tennessee’s last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
- Each of Gardner-Webb’s last three day games against the Southeastern Conference have produced a total of 153+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Tennessee ranked 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage last season (38.9%).
- Tennessee ranked 12th among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio last season (1.63).
- Gardner-Webb ranked 356th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage last season (63.2%).
Tennessee vs Gardner-Webb Prediction
Massive number this early in the season when teams are still getting their feet wet. However, Gardner-Webb is replacing a lot of players from a year ago, while Tennessee has oodles of experience and talent. Tennessee is a team that could make a run for a Final Four berth. Gardner-Webb lost each of its top five scorers from a year ago. Big mismatch on paper. I’ll side with the Vols to win their season opener comfortably.
