Expert prediction
Elite 8: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Houston Cougars Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 30)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Houston Elite Eight game will decide who goes to the NCAA Final Four.
- Tennessee Volunteers have beat the Kentucky Wildcats in Sweet 16, 78-65.
- Houston Cougars lead the college basketball in 3-point shooting – 39.8%.
Midwest Region’s representative at the NCAA Final Four will be decided here. According to March Madness odds, the Houston Cougars are favorites, with the NCAA moneyline set at -185. But the Volunteers aren’t going to give up.
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How to Watch
- When: Sunday, March 30, 3:20 pm ET
- Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
- How to Watch: CBS
NCAA Elite Eight Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | +150 | +3.5 | 123.5 |
| Houston | -175 | -3.5 | 123.5 |
Game Preview
No.2 Tennessee Volunteers (30-7) beat the Kentucky Wildcats in the Sweet 16, 78-65, to advance and set the battle with the Cougars. This is the third game in a row at the NCAA tournament in which they didn’t allow more than 65 points.
They controlled the glass well, having 34 boards, 10 more than the Wildcats. Zakai Zeigler had a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists. Chaz Lanier scored 17 buckets, and Jordan Gainey 16 off the bench.
No.1 Houston Cougars (33-4) had plenty of problems in the past two rounds, though their rivals were very tough. After beating Gonzaga 81-76, they survived a scare against the Purdue Boilermakers, 62-60. Milos Uzan scored a game-winner near the end.
Uzan ended the night with a team-high 22 points, hitting 6 of 9 three-point attempts. Emanuel Sharp had 17 points, while Jwan Roberts grabbed 12 boards.
Tennessee vs. Houston Head to Head
The two programs have had five meetings in their history, and the result is 3-2 for the Volunteers. The last was in 1995 when Tennessee won 69-49 at home.
Tennessee vs. Houston March Madness Predictions
The Volunteers spent less energy than the Cougars, who had to go toe to toe with Purdue. Cougars have three-point sharpshooters, yet we believe Tennessee can match that. Our betting pick here is the Volunteers to defend a 4.5-point spread.
- Free March Madness pick: Tennessee Volunteers -4.5
NCAAB
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