Tennessee basketball vs. Texas Tech: Live stream, TV and radio info, line, predictions, odds for Jimmy V Classic matchup
Three days after their first official road win of the year, Tennessee basketball faces another Power Five foe away from home, its fourth this season. For the second straight time, Rick Barnes will also face a program he was once rivals with when he coached in the Big 12.
Ranked No. 13 in the AP Poll and No. 14 in the Coaches Poll, UT takes Manhattan to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Jimmy V Classic. Rocky Top comes into this game on the heels of a 69-54 win over the Colorado Buffaloes.
On the other side, Texas Tech comes in on the heels of a 72-68 loss to the Providence Friars on the road last Wednesday under first-year head coach Mark Adams. Here is all the information you need for Tennessee basketball’s matchup.
7 p.m. ET. 6-1. Tuesday, Dec. 7. 6-1. New York, N.Y.. 468. Madison Square Garden. 534
Broadcast information
- TV: ESPN
- Live stream: WatchESPN
- Radio: Vol Network; Red Raider Radio Network
- Listen online: UTSports; TexasTech.com
Gambling odds according to WynnBET
- Line: Tennessee -4.5
- Over/Under: 137.5
- Moneyline: Tennessee -195; Texas Tech +165
After four straight NCAA Tournaments under Chris Beard, including a run to the national championship game in 2019, Texas Tech has entered a new era under Adams, as Beard left to take over the Texas Longhorns, Barnes’ old job. This is Adams’ first head coaching job since 2013 and his first Division I job since coaching the Texas Pan-American Broncs from 1992 to 1997.
Adams has worked to maintain Beard’s level of success by returning two starters and adding four high-profile transfers. Things started out strong until the Providence game, but the Vols are his first Power Five opponent this year.
Rocky Top was supposed to play in the Jimmy V Classic last year against the Gonzaga Bulldogs, but a COVID outbreak forced them to cancel their appearance. After this game, they will host the UNC Greensboro Spartans Saturday and the USC Upstate Spartans next Tuesday. Texas Tech will host the Arkansas State Red Wolves next Tuesday.
Prediction
Advanced metrics suggest Texas Tech has a top 20 defense, and they average over 85 points a game. However, they haven’t really been tested yet, and in their first semi-test, against Providence, they came away with a loss.
Meanwhile, Tennessee basketball has a very aggressive defense, and with Josiah-Jordan James back, it’ll be even more elite. Texas Tech won’t be ready for it, so take Tennessee -4.5. Both teams shoot the three well enough and play up-tempo enough that you should also take the Over 137.5. The score will look something like this: Tennessee: 75 Texas Tech: 66.