Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: Miami (OH) vs Tennessee Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 20)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Redhawks got past SMU in the First Four round.
- The Volunteers make their eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
- This marks the seventh all-time meeting between the two programs.
The second half of the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament progresses as the Miami (OH) Redhawks take on the Tennessee Volunteers. The Volunteers come out as the solid favorite, paving the way for a great showdown that could involve another upset.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, March 20, 4:25 pm ET
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- How to Watch: TBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | -107 | +12 | O148.5 |
| Tennessee | -113 | -12 | U148.5 |
Game Preview
Travis Steele and the Redhawks (32-1) have proved themselves to be deserving of their place in the NCAA Tournament this year, taking down SMU in the First Four round. It marks their first NCAA Tournament win since 1999, a huge milestone for the biggest mid-major squad this season. Eian Elmer led Miami with 23 points and matched his career high with six triples, while Brant Byers added 19 points, Luke Skaljac chipped in 17 and Almar Atlason finished with 12.
The Volunteers (22-11) secured an At-Large bid to the NCAA Tournament despite falling to Vanderbilt in the SEC quarterfinals. Tennessee is second in DI in second in rebounding margin (12.8), offensive rebounds per game (16.03) and third in total rebounds per game (42.58). Three Volunteers average in double figures, led by senior guard Ja’kobi Gillespie (18 ppg) and freshman forward Nate Ament (17.5). J.P. Estrella, a redshirt sophomore forward, contributes 10.1 ppg. Ament paces the Vols in rebounds (6.6), while Gillespie leads the team in assists (5.4) and steals (2.1). 6-foot-11 senior Felix Okpara blocks 1.4 shots per game.
Miami (OH) vs Tennessee Head-to-Head
The two programs have had six meetings in their history, and the result is 4-2 for the Volunteers. The last matchup was in December 1999 when Tennessee secured a 78-59 win.
Miami (OH) vs Tennessee Predictions
The winner between the 11th-seeded RedHawks (32-1) and the sixth-seeded Volunteers (22-11) will then face either Virginia or Wright State Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16. The Redhawks still have a lot to prove as team that went undefeated in the regular season, looking to put Tennessee on the ropes for an upset in this matchup. Our betting pick here is for the Redhawks to cover a 12-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Miami Redhawks (OH) +12
NCAAB
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