Texas vs Tennessee: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | March 14, 2025
Written by: Colby Marchio
Last Updated: Fri Mar 14, 2025, 12:55 PM
Read Time: 3 minutes
ncaab
This is not about the full game. It is about Texas’ first-half team total and how Tennessee’s defense will dictate the pace. With the Volunteers’ elite defense and slow tempo, Texas will struggle early.
Write Up Transparency
Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @C_marchio2 to get my full card every day! Check my Action profile on the Action app @cmarchio. Picks are always FREE.
Last Month in CBB: 51-47 (-0.56 Units)
Thursday’s Card: 2-1 (+0.63 Units)
#13 Texas vs #4 Tennessee Odds
Can Texas keep its momentum and get past Tennessee?
BetOdds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.
Spread
Texas: +9.5 (-105)
Tennessee: -9.5 (-115)
Total
Over: 136 (-115)
Under: 136 (-105)
Moneyline
Texas: +410
Tennessee: -515
#13 Texas vs #4 Tennessee Best Bet
Forget the points. Forget the entire game. The goal here is to get in and get out.
Texas first-half team total is the focus.
Tennessee has started March in typical Rick Barnes fashion—0-3 against the spread. Now, as nearly double-digit favorites, I want no part of backing them. However, the Volunteers have one of the best defenses in the country while playing at one of the slowest paces.
In road-neutral settings, Tennessee has the second-best defense, ranking first in both eFG% defense and three-point defense. They are also top 25 in two-point defense and block percentage. On the road this season, they have allowed just 28.5 first-half points.
On the other side, Texas has been averaging 34.5 first-half points on the road, clearing 29.5 in their last three games. But they have not faced a defense like Tennessee’s. Despite winning three of their last four, the Longhorns have struggled inside, ranking 298th over their last ten games. Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State do not bring the same suffocating defense that Tennessee does.
This game will be slow. Tennessee ranks 349th in pace, per Haslametrics. Texas has been strong in first halves during the SEC Tournament, but against a superior defense, expect them to look sluggish.
First-half team total under. Get in, get out.
Best Bet: Texas First Half Team Total Under 29.5 (-120) on BetOnline
Interested in More Content
Follow me on X @C_marchio2 for all of my picks and sports opinions!
Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!
While you are at it go get some merch at our Betting News Store!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!
Check Out All of Our Resources at Betting News
Former D1 (club) baseball player, Colby has been betting since his college days at DePaul, where he had to endure the worst collegiate basketball the Big East has ever seen. He is an advanced analytics nerd who spends his free time on Bart Torvik, Ken Pom and Batters-Box.com. He has never seen an underdog he has not liked. Hot. Corn. Bull. It does not matter the dog he loves them all.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.
More NCAAB News on Betting News
Free Betting Picks
JVST
UTC
WICH
UNC
CSUN
UCR
FAU