Tennessee Volunteers vs Florida Gators Pick – 3/16/2025

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship game is set for Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, featuring the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. This highly anticipated matchup showcases two of the conference's top teams vying for the title.

Tennessee Volunteers vs Florida Gators Game Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers enter the championship with a 27-6 record, demonstrating resilience throughout the season. After a narrow 78-76 loss to Ole Miss, Tennessee rebounded with four consecutive victories over Alabama (79-76), South Carolina (75-65), Texas (83-72), and Auburn (70-65). Guard Chaz Lanier has been instrumental, averaging 18.1 points per game and shooting 40.5% from three-point range. The Volunteers' defense is formidable, averaging 7.0 steals and 5.1 blocks per game, while their rebounding (37.1 per game) and assist (15.8 per game) numbers highlight a well-rounded team performance.

The Florida Gators boast a 29-4 record and are on a five-game winning streak, including dominant performances against Texas A&M (89-70), Alabama (99-94 and 104-82), Ole Miss (90-71), and Missouri (95-81). Florida's offense is among the nation's best, averaging 84.8 points per game with a 47.3% field goal percentage. Guard Walter Clayton Jr. leads the team with 17.3 points and 4.4 assists per game, while maintaining an 84.8% free-throw percentage. The Gators also excel in rebounding, averaging 42.1 per game, which could be a significant factor against Tennessee's aggressive playstyle.

Betting Insights

Oddsmakers have set the Florida Gators as 4.5-point favorites for this championship game, with a total over/under of 142.5 points. This line reflects confidence in Florida's high-powered offense to potentially outpace Tennessee's strong defense. Notably, Florida's recent games have consistently exceeded the total points line, suggesting a trend toward high-scoring outcomes. Tennessee's ability to control the game's tempo and defensive prowess will be crucial in determining whether the total points will go over or under the set line.

Tennessee Volunteers vs Florida Gators Prediction

Considering Florida's recent momentum and offensive efficiency, they appear to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their ability to score prolifically, combined with dominance on the boards and efficient shooting, provides a significant advantage over Tennessee. While the Volunteers' defense is robust, the Gators' offensive firepower may prove challenging to contain. Tennessee's recent victories have been commendable, but facing a team of Florida's caliber presents a formidable challenge.

Both teams have shown tendencies toward high-scoring games, making the over on the total points line an appealing option. Florida's last five games have all surpassed the 142.5-point mark, and Tennessee has seen three of their last five games go over the total. If Tennessee can maintain competitiveness, this game is likely to exceed the total points line. Additionally, Florida's -4.5 spread offers value given their offensive edge and recent dominance.

Final Prediction: Florida Gators 82, Tennessee Volunteers 74.