The No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers head to Baton Rouge to face the LSU Tigers in NCAA basketball action on Tuesday.
The Vols have an elite defense, and my Tennessee vs. LSU predictions expect them to shut down the Tigers tonight. Here are my best college basketball picks for tonight's SEC showdown.
Tennessee vs LSU prediction
My best bet
LSU team total Under 64.5 (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
Don't expect home-court to be much of an advantage for the LSU Tigers, who are 2-5 SU and 3-4 ATS at home during conference play with double-digit defeats to Florida, Auburn, and Texas. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Volunteers are fresh off an impressive 77-69 road win against No. 12 Texas A&M.
The Tigers have averaged just 68.0 ppg over their last 10 games and have been held to fewer than 60 points three times during that span. Since they couldn't score more than 62 points against Arkansas, Texas A&M, Georgia, or Texas, I don't see them hitting that mark against a Tennessee squad that's first in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency at KenPom.
The Vols are third in the country in opponent 3-point percentage (27.7%) and 10th in opponent 2-point percentage (45.2%). Those numbers are especially impressive since they've faced a slew of highly-rated offenses like Auburn, Kentucky (twice), Missouri, Florida (twice), Baylor, and Illinois.
Given that they slowed down those highly efficient attacks, they should have no problem shutting down an LSU squad that doesn't have much firepower. Cam Carter is the only guy who can create his own shot and consistently get buckets for LSU. Jordan Sears is the only other Tiger averaging double digits in scoring, and he's putting up 12.1 ppg on just 37.5% shooting.
The Tigers are outside the Top 250 in turnover rate (18.1%) and 3-point percentage (31.6%). They're also one of the worst teams in the SEC when it comes to offensive rebounding and free throw rate. There's no path to the Tigers having offensive success tonight.
Tennessee vs LSU same-game parlay (SGP)
LSU team total Under 64.5
Cam Carter Over 14.5 points
Jordan Gainey Under 4.5 rebounds
It seems counter-intuitive to bet the Under on LSU's team total and the Over on Cam Carter's points, but it creates a nice multiplier on this SGP, and somebody needs to put up shots for the Tigers.
LSU has played seven games against ranked opponents and Carter dropped 16+ points in six of those. He's also significantly more efficient at home, where he shoots 49% frm the floor and 45% from deep . He won't be as efficient as usual tonight, but with none of his teammates capable of scoring, he should see a high volume of shots and eclipse 14.5 points.
Tennessee's Jordan Gainey is averaging 3.5 rebounds per game. The O/U of 4.5 on his rebounds total looks too high, considering the 6-foot-3 guard has gone below this number in eight of his last 10 games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game CBB moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your school goes up by 18+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Tennessee vs LSU odds
Tennessee vs LSU live odds
Tennessee vs LSU opening odds
- Spread: Tennessee -10.5 | LSU +10.5
- Moneyline: Tennessee -500 | LSU +375
- Over/Under: Over 137.5 | Under 137.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Tennessee vs LSU betting trend to know
The Under is 9-3 for Tennessee in neutral site or road games this season. Find more college basketball betting trends for Tennessee vs. LSU.
How to watch Tennessee vs LSU
| Location | Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, LA |
| Date | Tuesday, 2-25-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | SEC Network |
Tennessee vs LSU key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
