The Tarleton Texans and the Tennessee Volunteers meet in college basketball action from the Thompson-Boling Arena on Thursday night. Can Tarleton pull off the upset and knock off Tennessee for the first time at home this season? Or will the Vols hold down home court? Let’s dive in and find out with our Tarleton vs. Tennessee Prediction.

Tarleton Team Preview

The Tarleton Texans come into this game looking to rebound from a 65-62 loss to Jacksonville State last time out. Jakorie Smith leads the Texans in scoring with 15 PPG along with 4.4 RPG while KiAndre Gaddy has 12.6 PPG with a team-high 7.5 RPG to lead the Texans on the glass up to this point in the year. Lue Williams has 12.2 PPG with 5 RPG to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for the Texans up to this point in the year. As a team, Tarleton is averaging 72.5 PPG on 44.6% shooting from the field, 28.9% from three and 74.4% from the foul line this season. Tarleton will meet LMU and UT Arlington after this game.

Tennessee Team Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers come into this game looking to build on a 4-game win streak after a 79-70 win over NC State last time out. Dalton Knecht leads the Volunteers in scoring with 16.5 PPG and 4.4 RPG while Josiah-Jordan James has 11.7 PPG with 6.7 RPG and Jonas Aidoo has 11.4 PPG with 7.2 RPG to lead the Vols on the glass to round out the trio of double-digit scorers for Tennessee up to this point in the year. Zakai Zeigler has a team-high 4.5 APG as well this season. As a team, Tennessee is averaging 78.2 PPG on 43.9% shooting from the field, 33.7% from three and 76.6% from the foul line this season. After this one, Tennessee will take on Norfolk State.

Tarleton vs. Tennessee Prediction

I get the case to be made for the Texans here, but I just can’t back a mid-major/low-major team against this Tennessee team that’s solid on both ends of the floor, especially defensively. I think that the Texans struggle to find offense in this game and for Tennessee to pull away. Give me the Vols.