Auburn Tigers (21-6) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (21-6)
Auburn Tigers vs. Tennessee Volunteers 2/28/24 – In what promises to be a riveting showdown on the hardwood, the Auburn Tigers square off against the Tennessee Volunteers in a matchup that could have significant implications for postseason positioning. Both teams enter this contest with identical 21-6 records, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle. Scheduled for Wednesday, this game is not just another regular-season fixture; it’s a precursor to the intensity and excitement of March Madness. As these teams vie for supremacy, fans and analysts alike will be keen to glean March Madness game day insights from this encounter.
Auburn comes into this contest averaging 82.7 points per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. The Tigers are led by dominant big man Johni Broome, who excels every game. Auburn excels on the glass, averaging 38.6 total rebounds per game. However, the Tigers have struggled on the road this season, going just 7-5 against the spread in away contests.
Tennessee has been excellent at home, going 4-8 against the spread. The Volunteers put up 80.3 points per game on 45.6% shooting. Guard Dalton Knecht leads the team with 20.1 points per outing while shooting 40.3% from three. Tennessee is battle-tested, owning a 4-1 record over their last five games. They will look to ride their home crowd momentum against the visiting Tigers.
Auburn Tigers vs. Tennessee Volunteers 2/28/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Thompson-Boling Arena |
| TV: | ESPN2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Johni Broome (Forward) vs. Dalton Knecht (Guard)
Auburn forward Johni Broome has been a force inside this season, averaging a double-double with 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. The junior is an elite rim protector, swatting 2.4 shots per contest. Broome shoots an efficient 55.1% from the field but does struggle at the charity stripe. He will need to stay out of foul trouble against a crafty Tennessee team. Broome’s rebounding and shot blocking will be critical if Auburn wants to pull off the road upset.
Dalton Knecht has been electric for Tennessee, pouring in 20.1 points while canning 40.3% of his threes. The senior guard is adept at getting to the rim and drawing contact, evidenced by his 76% free throw percentage. Knecht is prone to turning the ball over at times but remains the Vols’ top offensive threat. His quickness could give the slower-footed Broome issues defensively. For Tennessee to defend their home court, Knecht must continue his stellar offensive play.
This matchup pits Broome’s interior dominance against Knecht’s perimeter scoring. Whichever star plays better will put their team in a great position to win. Broome has a significant size advantage but must avoid silly fools. Knecht’s shooting could prove the difference if he gets hot from deep. This individual battle will go a long way in deciding this crucial conference clash.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game have yet to be determined, but given the close records and performance metrics of both teams, we can anticipate a tightly contested line. Bettors will want to keep a close eye on the spread and moneyline as they become available, considering the recent trends and head-to-head matchups.
Auburn Tigers Betting Trends
Auburn comes into this matchup having gone 3-2 against the spread in their last 5 games. The Tigers have struggled on the road against the number this season, posting a 7-5 record in away contests against the spread. Totals-wise, 3 of Auburn’s previous 5 matchups have gone over the projected total. Overall, 7 of the Tigers’ last 15 games played at home have gone over the total.
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Trends
Over their last 5 contests, Tennessee has gone 3-2 against the spread. The Volunteers have been solid at home against the number, covering in 4 of their last 8 games as the host. In Tennessee’s previous 5 matchups, only 2 have gone over the projected total point number. Looking further back, 7 of the Vols’ last 15 home games have exceeded the oddsmakers’ over/under line.
Auburn Tigers vs. Tennessee Volunteers 2/28/24 Betting Picks
Statistics and betting trends show this game will be an epic battle, with both teams having demonstrated their ability to both score and defend at an elite level, making it hard to pick. Tennessee may hold an edge thanks to their home court advantage and slightly better defensive metrics, though.
Tennessee Vols appear to be the safer pick in a closely contested affair at Thompson-Boling Arena. Bettors should pay particular attention to the over/under, given each team’s propensity for scoring and their recent trends towards reaching that mark in total points scored. While this game provides many premium sports predictions opportunities, smart money may lie with Tennessee covering tight spreads with high-scoring contests.
Free Pick and Prediction: Tennessee Volunteers 85, Auburn Tigers 82.