The Mississippi State Bulldogs host the Tennessee Volunteers on Wednesday night in an SEC college basketball matchup. The game tips off at 9:00 p.m. EST in Starkville, Mississippi.
The Volunteers are listed as 7.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook with the total set at O/U 147.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and pick for this SEC college basketball matchup.
Mississippi State vs. Tennessee prediction, preview
Mississippi State is toward the bottom of the SEC, with a 3-7 conference record this season. In terms of points per game, the Bulldogs rank third-worst in the SEC offensively and defensively. They are the second-worst team in the SEC per KenPom’s power ratings. After winning their first two games of the conference slate, the Bulldogs have now lost seven of their past eight games. Josh Hubbard is averaging 20.6 points per game and is a great scorer. However, all opponents have to do is focus on slowing down Hubbard and Mississippi State struggles to score.
Tennessee is one of the 20 best teams in the country, despite being unranked. The Volunteers rank 17th in the nation in net rating and are currently slated as a 5-seed in the latest Bracketology from Joe Lunardi. After a shaky start to SEC play, Tennessee has now won four of its past five games. Among Tennessee’s past seven games, it has only lost to Kentucky, who it has fallen to twice. Against every other opponent, it has flexed its fantastic defensive ability. Tennessee is the only team in the SEC allowing fewer than 70 points per game this season.
Mississippi State vs. Tennessee pick
My best bet for this game is the Mississippi State team total under 70.5 points. Tennessee is an elite defensive team, allowing just 69.8 points per game. It ranks 16th in the nation in defensive rating. It should completely shut down a poor Mississippi State team. The Bulldogs rank 126th in the nation in offensive rating and will really struggle to get anything going against this Tennessee team. Tennessee has held two of its past three opponents under 70 points. Meanwhile, Mississippi State has gone under 70 points in four of its past six games. Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Bishop Boswell should be able to contain Josh Hubbard, forcing others to step up for the Bulldogs. That should lead to them finishing with 70 points or fewer in this game.
