No. 6 Tennessee Hosts No. 14 Mississippi State in Key SEC Showdown

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers will face the No. 14 Mississippi State Bulldogs in a pivotal SEC matchup Tuesday night at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with Tennessee entering as an 8.5-point favorite and the over/under set at 142.5 points.

The Volunteers (16-2 overall, 3-2 SEC) started the season with 14 consecutive wins but have stumbled recently, losing two of their last four games. Mississippi State (15-3 overall, 3-2 SEC) arrives with momentum, having defeated Tennessee by 17 points as 9.5-point underdogs in Knoxville last season.

According to SportsLine‘s predictive model, which simulates every Division 1 college basketball game 10,000 times, the model is leaning toward the Over on the total points. Additionally, it indicates that one side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time. The model has been on a hot streak, boasting a 198-138 record (+2692) on top-rated college basketball picks since 2023.

“The model has simulated this matchup extensively, and the results are clear,” said a SportsLine analyst. “Fans and bettors alike should pay close attention to the trends it reveals.”

Both teams are looking to solidify their standings in the highly competitive SEC, which continues to showcase its depth this season. Tennessee’s defense, ranked among the nation’s best, will be tested against Mississippi State’s balanced offensive attack.

Key players to watch include Tennessee’s leading scorer and Mississippi State’s dynamic backcourt duo. The Bulldogs’ ability to replicate last year’s success in Knoxville could hinge on their three-point shooting and defensive intensity.

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Thompson-Boling Arena, where the Volunteers aim to defend their home court and the Bulldogs seek another statement win in SEC play.