Tennessee Volunteers vs Houston Cougars Pick – 3/30/2025

The stage is set for a thrilling Elite Eight showdown as the Tennessee Volunteers take on the Houston Cougars on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:20 pm Eastern Time at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the season, making this matchup a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Houston Cougars Game Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers (30-7) have showcased a formidable defense, allowing no more than 65 points in each of their last three tournament games. In their Sweet 16 victory over Kentucky, Tennessee secured a 78-65 win, controlling the boards with 34 rebounds—10 more than their opponents. Guard Zakai Zeigler led the charge with a double-double, recording 18 points and 10 assists, while Chaz Lanier and Jordan Gainey contributed 17 and 16 points, respectively.

On the other side, the Houston Cougars (33-4) have demonstrated resilience and depth. Their recent 62-60 triumph over Purdue was highlighted by Milos Uzan's game-winning shot in the final moments. Uzan finished with 22 points, connecting on 6 of 9 three-point attempts. Emanuel Sharp added 17 points, and J'Wan Roberts dominated the glass with 12 rebounds. Houston's defense has been a cornerstone of their success, limiting opponents to an average of 58.4 points per game, ranking them second nationally in scoring defense.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, the betting odds for this Elite Eight clash are as follows:

• Point Spread: Houston -3.5
• Over/Under: 123.5 points

These odds suggest that Houston is favored to win by a narrow margin, with expectations of a low-scoring, defensively driven game. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• Defensive Prowess: Both teams excel defensively, which could lead to a tightly contested, low-scoring affair.
• Recent Performance: Tennessee's consistent defensive performances and Houston's ability to secure close victories highlight the competitive nature of this matchup.
• Key Players: The performances of Zakai Zeigler for Tennessee and Milos Uzan for Houston will be pivotal in determining the game's outcome.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Houston Cougars Prediction

Analyzing the strengths and recent performances of both teams, this Elite Eight matchup promises to be a defensive battle. Tennessee's ability to control the boards and limit opponents' scoring opportunities will be crucial. However, Houston's depth, defensive intensity, and experience in close games provide them with a slight edge.

Considering the betting line favoring Houston by 3.5 points and the over/under set at 123.5, a low-scoring game is anticipated. Bettors might find value in wagering on the under, given both teams' defensive capabilities. While Tennessee has the tools to keep the game close, Houston's balanced scoring and defensive consistency make them the likely victors in this encounter.

Final Prediction: Houston Cougars win, covering the spread, with the total points falling under 123.5.