Tennessee basketball is back at it tonight in the sweet 16 as they take on Iowa State in Chicago late Friday night, with extra emphasis on the late part. The game is scheduled to tip off at 10:15 ET, but depending on how long the Michigan-Alabama game before it takes, it could tip off at 10:30 or even later.
The biggest storyline looming around this matchup is the potential return of Iowa State star forward Joshua Jefferson. He is currently listed as a game-time decision for tonight's contest. Jefferson went down with a foot injury in Iowa State’s first tournament game against Tennessee State, and the Cyclones have proven they can win without him after a dismantling of Kentucky last weekend.
Tennessee and Rick Barnes, on the other hand, will be at full strength and will be looking to make their third straight Elite Eight.
No. 6 Tennessee vs. No.2 Iowa State final odds, spread, and total
odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Tennessee: +3.5 (-102)
- Iowa State: -3.5 (-120)
Moneyline
- Tennessee: +146
- Iowa State: -176
Total
- O/U: 139.5 (-110)
Prediction for Tennessee vs. Iowa State
This is going to be a low possession grind it out gritty type of game. Tennessee has had some issues with turning the ball over during the season, but last weekend, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Bishop Boswell showed how good this team is when they lock in and take care of the basketball.
Iowa State plays a very aggressive brand of defense and will look to hedge screens and force difficult passes for the Tennesse ball handlers. Tennessee proved they can beat Houston a similar team, but that means Tennessee will have to play their A game, which they are capable of.
Ultimately, even without Joshua Jefferson, or if he is not the complete player he normally is, Iowa State has an offensive advantage with the best shooter in the country, Milan Momcilovic, and a true point guard, Tamin Lipsey.
This is a game where it can’t just be one of Gillespie or Nate Ament. Against the suffocating defense like Iowa State, Tennessee would really benefit from a strong and efficient performance from both; if they can get it, they have a really good shot to win. Ultimately, Iowa State has a bigger margin for error than Tennessee, and for that, I'm taking the Cyclones in a close one.
Final Score: Iowa State 69, Tennesssee 65