Tennessee basketball vs. No. 6/5 Arizona: Live stream, TV and radio info, line, predictions, odds for Dec. 22 matchup
After last Saturday’s matchup in Nashville with the Memphis Tigers was canceled due to a COVID outbreak and a complete lack of leadership on the side of the U of M, Tennessee basketball is finally back on the court for the first time in eight days. The Vols have a huge top 25 matchup against a Power Five program.
Ranked No. 19 in both polls, Rick Barnes’ team will host the undefeated Arizona Wildcats Wednesday night. UT has won its past two games by at least 40 points, against the UNC Greensboro Spartans and USC Upstate Spartans.
Meanwhile, Arizona is coming off of an 84-60 win at the California Baptist Lancers this past Saturday. Ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll and No. 5 in the Coaches Poll, they have beaten three Power Five teams away from home. Here is all the information you need for Tennessee basketball’s crucial matchup.
11-0. Thompson-Boling Arena. 7 p.m. ET. 511. Wednesday, Dec. 22. 8-2. 534. Knoxville, Tenn.
Broadcast info
- TV: ESPN2
- Live stream: WatchESPN
- Radio: Vol Network; Arizona IMG Sports Network
- Listen online: UTSports; ArizonaWildcats.com
Gambling odds according to WynnBET
- Line: Tennessee -1.5
- Over/Under: 153.5
- Moneyline: Tennessee -120; Arizona +100
Led by first-year head coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona was supposed to have a rocky first year after firing Sean Miller, their head coach of 12 years who brought about a ton of controversy due to a major NCAA investigation. They also lost four rotational transfers and another to graduation. However, Lloyd has them playing better than ever.
Arizona’s record includes a win against the Michigan Wolverines in Las Vegas when they were ranked No. 4 nationally and also wins at the Oregon State Beavers and Illinois Fighting Illini. What helps them is the return of three returning starters, another player finally fully eligible and the addition of three transfers.
Bennedict Mathurin is the leading scorer as the two guard. Azuolas Tubelis and Christian Koloko stand at 6’11” and 7’1″ respectively to allow for a dominant inside game. All three are returning starters averaging double figures. Kriisa Kerr, who only played only eight games last year due to an eligibility issue, has taken over at point guard and is averaging 11 points and five assists.
There’s no doubt that Tennessee basketball will have its hands full with this team, but the Vols are also the toughest test Arizona has faced this year. This is a huge opportunity for both teams heading into Christmas. UT needs a key top 10 win, and Arizona needs to prove its record is legit.
Both teams will begin conference play against ranked opponents on the road after this matchup. Rocky Top’s first SEC game is next Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Alabama Crimson Tide, who are ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll and No. 11 in the Coaches Poll. Arizona will begin Pac-12 play Thursday, Dec. 30, at the UCLA Bruins, ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll and No. 6 in the Coaches Poll.
Prediction
Although the Vols are Arizona’s toughest test, Michigan and Illinois are still two solid wins. Arizona is an offensive juggernaut with truly no weaknesses and an inside-out game that nobody can match. Their defense is elite too, though.
However, playing this game in Knoxville will give Tennessee basketball the advantage. Kennedy Chandler will be the difference in one of his legendary performances. That combined with three-point shooting will allow UT to cover and push the scoring way up, so take Tennessee -1.5 and the Over 153.5. The score will look something like this: Tennessee: 84 Arizona: 80.