Tennessee vs Kentucky Prediction 3/28/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Tennessee vs Kentucky prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, March 28th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. 

Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers are 29-7 (12-6) this year after they defeated UCLA by a score of 67-58 in their last game. Tennessee led 32-25 at halftime and was able to coast for most of the second half in the win. The Volunteers shot 42.9% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 87.5% on free throws in the game. Chaz Lanier led Tennessee with 20 points and four rebounds, while Zakai Zeigler added 15 points and six assists in the win. Tennessee played great defense in this win over UCLA, but hitting 11 out of 22 three point shots was massive for the Volunteers. 

Prior to that game, the Volunteers defeated Wofford by a score of 77-62, but did lose to Florida by a score of 86-77 before that. Tennessee has won five of their last six games and they finished fourth in the SEC standings with a 12-6 record. Tennessee has scored 74.6 points per game and they have allowed 62.9 points against per game, while also averaging 36.5 rebounds and 15.5 assists per game this season. Chaz Lanier is averaging 18.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, while Zakai Zeigler is averaging 13.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game this season. Tennessee is shooting 45.5% from the field, 74.3% on free throws, and 34% on three pointers this year. 

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview

The Kentucky Wildcats are 24-11 (10-8) this season after they defeated Illinois by a score of 84-75 in their last game. Kentucky led 37-32 at halftime and added 47 points in the second half to secure the win. The Wildcats shot 47.1% from the field, 38.1% on three pointers, and 60% on free throws in the game. Koby Brea led Kentucky with 23 points and six rebounds, while Otega Oweh added 15 points and four rebounds in the game. Kentucky grabbed control of the game early in the first half and they never really allowed Illinois to threaten, but they only shot 60% on free throws and were out rebounded 44-36 in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Wildcats defeated Troy by a score of 76-57, but did lose to Alabama by a score of 99-70 before that. Kentucky has won five of their last six games and they finished tied for sixth in the SEC standings with a 10-8 record. Kentucky has scored 85.0 points per game and they have allowed 77.2 points against per game, while also averaging 38.4 rebounds and 17.1 assists per game this season. Otega Oweh is averaging 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Koby Brea is averaging 11.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Kentucky is shooting 48.2% from the field, 73.8% on free throws, and 37.4% on three pointers this season. 

Why Tennessee will beat Kentucky

• Tennessee has won each of its last nine night games played at neutral venues.
• Kentucky has lost four of its last five games against the Southeastern Conference at neutral venues.
• Tennessee has won the first half in 14 of its last 15 night games played at neutral venues.

Total Points Facts

• Fourteen of Kentucky’s last 15 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 149+ points.
• Eleven of Tennessee’s last 12 NCAA Tournament games have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Tennessee ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (37.7%).
• Tennessee ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (27.7%).
• Kentucky ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (62.2%).
• Kentucky ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (85.8).

David Racey is 131-69 (66%) in College Basketball over the last 30 days. Click here for his premium plays for today!

Tennessee vs Kentucky Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup playing very well over their last six games, but Kentucky did win both regular season meetings by scores of 75-64 and 78-73. Kentucky is the much better offensive team in this matchup, but their defense is allowing over 77 points against per game this year. Tennessee relies on Zeigler and Lanier offensively, but they play great defense and they have allowed 65 points or fewer in three of their last four games. These teams like to play at two completely different paces, but I am going to back Tennessee and their stout defense here.