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Tennessee basketball at No. 19 Alabama: Live stream, TV and radio info, line, predictions, odds for SEC opener

By Caleb Calhoun

Feb 20, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A general view of Coleman Coliseum during the game between Mississippi State and Alabama. The Bulldogs defeated the Crimson Tide 67-61. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; A general view of Coleman Coliseum during the game between Mississippi State and Alabama. The Bulldogs defeated the Crimson Tide 67-61. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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A week after scoring a huge top 10 victory over the Arizona Wildcats, Tennessee basketball has another key matchup, one even more important. The Vols will begin SEC play on the road against a top 25 team who beat them twice last year.

UT visits the Alabama Crimson Tide. Ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll and No. 15 in the Coaches Poll, this is the first matchup for the Vols since that huge victory, and it’s their first true road game against a ranked opponent this year.

On the other side, Alabama comes into this game ranked No. 19 in both polls after suffering a shocking one-point to the Davidson Wildcats last week. Here is all the information you need for Tennessee basketball’s matchup.

9-2. Tuscaloosa, Ala.. 9 p.m. ET. 523. Coleman Coliseum. Wednesday, Dec. 29. 534. 9-3

Broadcast info

Gambling odds according to WynnBET

  • Line: Alabama -2.5
  • Over/Under: 149
  • Moneyline: Alabama -130; Tennessee +110

Led by third-year head coach Nate Oats, who ironically got his first head coaching job from UT athletic director Danny White when White hired him to coach the Buffalo Bulls back in 2015, Alabama is looking to repeat as conference regular season and tournament champions. However, despite a preseason top 10 ranking, they had a roller coaster non-conference stretch.

Although the Tide scored huge wins over the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Houston Cougars, they also suffered upset losses to Davidson and the Iona Gaels. Also, they have lost two of their last three, as they suffered a 14-point loss at the Memphis Tigers just over two weeks ago.

Still, Oats and the Tide beat the Vols twice last year, both times away from home. They are obviously a dangerous team, and when they are taking matchups seriously, they may be the toughest team to beat in the league.

After this game, both teams will get another full week off. UT will then host the Ole Miss Rebels next Wednesday, and Alabama will visit the Florida Gators that same day. They’ll both play two games a week for the rest of the regular season.

Prediction

Although Alabama has struggled recently, they don’t overlook elite opponents. They’ll be motivated about the fact that UT is ranked higher than them, and a week off with a chance to refocus will make them unstoppable.

Rocky Top is a much better three-point shooting team this year, but this time, it’ll be Alabama’s night. Expect both of them to hit tons of shots from the outside, so take the Over 149. However, the Tide at home will be just a bit too much for Tennessee basketball, so take Alabama -2.5 as well. The score will look something like this: Alabama 84 Tennessee 80.

Make your pick now on WynnBET.

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