NCAA Basketball Louisiana vs Tennessee Predictions Odds, Picks and Sports Betting Tips 03/16/2023

Tennessee can avoid yet another early exit from the NCAA Tournament with a victory against Louisiana on Thursday in Orlando, Florida.
The Volunteers have had an outstanding season in the SEC, going 23-10 with victories over both No. 1 seeds in Kansas and Alabama.
Meanwhile, the Ragin' Cajuns won the Sun Belt Tournament and made their return to The Big Dance for the first time since 2014.
This game boasts the widest spread between four and 13 seeds, but I believe this could be an opportunity to back the underdog.

Can Tennessee make it through the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament without another early exit under coach Rick Barnes? In his previous three trips with Tennessee, the Volunteers have only made it to the Sweet 16 once. The Volunteers have struggled to find any consistency.

Unfortunately, they will be without key player Zakai Zeigler, who underwent ACL surgery Wednesday. The sophomore guard averaged 10.7 points per game and led his team in assists and steals this season. Zeigler was also one of the few Volunteers capable of creating his own shot, and teams never want to lose a crucial ballhandler in March.
Barnes doesn't need to worry about execution on the defensive end of the floor; Tennessee ranks within the Top 10 for AdjD (1st), EFG%(2nd), opponents' 2-point (9th) and 3-point shooting (1st).
If Tennessee wants any chance at success, the defense needs to keep keeping them in games -- just as they've done all season long. This team seems ripe to be upset.

Louisiana is making its 11th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and second under longtime coach Bob Marlin.
The Ragin' Cajuns play a different style than their opponent. Marlin's team boasts impressive offensive numbers, ranking in the Top 60 for AdjO (48th), EFG% (55th), offensive rebounding (28th) and 3-point shooting (48th) according to BartTorvik's rankings.

Louisiana is led by SBC Player of the Year Jordan Brown, who averaged 19.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Additionally, their veteran guard Greg Williams Jr. was recognized on the All-Sun Belt Second Team for his contributions.

On the non-conference slate, Marlin's program suffered a 12-point defeat at Drake before succumbing to an overwhelming loss at Texas. It will be interesting to see how they adjust for this step-up in competition in this contest.

Team Leaders

Our Betting Pick for Today

Tennesse has difficulty on the offensive end of the floor and that will lead this to be a close game. Louisiana could win this game and if you bet them S/U the odds are +500. I will take the +11.5 and Louisiana in this game. Expect a tight hard-fought game.

The Volunteers inability to score makes me think an under bet here is the safest play.

Louisiana vs Tennesse How to Watch

📅 Date: Friday, March 17
🕚 Game Time: 9:40 pm
📺 How to Watch: CBS
🏀 @Legacy Arena