Tennessee basketball is back in action Tuesday night as they fave Texas A&M in Knoxville. The Aggies are unbeaten in SEC play while Tennessee is looking to get back in the win column after a disappointing showing at Florida over the weekend.
Here’s everything to know about the matchup from the broadcast details to the betting odds and much more.
How to Watch — Tennessee (11-5, 1-2 SEC) vs. Texas A&M (13-3, 3-0 SEC)
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT
- Location: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
- Watch: SEC Network. PxP: Richard Cross, CC: Daymeon Fishback
- Online Streaming: WatchESPN
- Radio (Knoxville): The Vol Network/The Vol Network App
- Vol Network radio crew: PxP: Mike Keith, CC: John Wilkerson
Betting Odds
- Tennessee -8.5 Texas A&M
- Over/under 158.5
- Tennessee -8 Texas A&M
- Over/under 156
Probable Starters
Tennessee (via UT Game Notes):
Texas A&M (via last game):
What Rick Barnes Said About The Aggies
On if Texas A&M’s style of play is as unique as it seems
“Well, they press. I mean, you know, there’s been a lot of teams that press and they’ll jump up and press you, even on a missed shot. They’re up there trying to, you know, create that tempo and it goes back, that is what they do. They keep doing it well enough and they’re good at it. They’ve gotten better. I remember seeing ’em earlier in the year and well-coached, because that’s exactly what Bucky (McMillan) believes in. You know, that’s his style of basketball and he’s got a group of guys that are buying into doing that.”
Where They Land In The Rankings
Tennessee:
- AP Poll: No. 24
- Coaches Poll: NR
- KenPom: No. 19
- Bart Torvik: No. 15
- EvanMiya: No. 19
Texas A&M:
- AP Poll: NR
- Coaches Poll: NR
- KenPom: No. 41
- Bart Torvik: No. 39
- EvanMiya: No. 45
Team Stats (via KenPom)
Tennessee:
Texas A&M:
Stat Leaders
Tennessee:
Points: Ja’Kobi Gillespie — 18.3 PPG, 43.7 FG%, 36.3 3PT%
Rebounds: Nate Ament — 6.4 RPG, 4.9 DRPG, 1.5 ORPG
Assists: Ja’Kobi Gillespie — 5.5 APG, 2.5 TOPG, 32.3 MPG
Texas A&M:
Points: Ruben Dominguez — 13.7 PPG, 47.4 FG%, 47.1 3PT%
Rebounds: Rashaun Agee — 8.6 RPG, 5.9 DRPG, 2.6 ORPG
Assists: Jacari Lane — 3.3 APG, 1.1 TOPG, 19.1 MPG
Last Five Games
Tennessee:
- 91-67 loss at Florida
- 85-71 win versus Texas
- 86-75 loss at Arkansas
- 105-54 win versus South Carolina State
- 94-52 win versus Gardner-Webb
Texas A&M:
- 83-76 win versus Oklahoma
- 90-88 win at Auburn
- 75-72 win versus LSU
- 111-82 win versus Prairie View A&M
- 118-77 win versus East Texas A&M
Prediction
I have two conflicting views on this game. First, I believe Tennessee is the better team playing at home. The Aggies are 3-0 in SEC play with two very narrow wins and is frankly due for a loss. Tennessee is 1-2 in SEC play and played poorly on Saturday at Florida. That combination makes me like Tennessee’s chances in this one.
But here’s what worries me. Texas A&M presses all game and forces turnovers on 21.3% of its opponents possessions. The Vols have had turnover issues off-and-on all season and they peaked Saturday at Florida.
That leaves me somewhere in the middle. Tennessee wins but is unable to run away with it due to turnovers.
Tennessee 82, Texas A&M 75
