UCLA Bruins vs Tennessee Volunteers Pick – 3/22/2025

The NCAA Tournament's second round brings an exciting clash between the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers and the No. 7 seed UCLA Bruins. Both teams are coming off impressive first-round victories and are set to face off at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 9:40 p.m. ET.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. UCLA Bruins Game Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers (28-7) demonstrated their prowess in the first round by securing a 77-62 win over Wofford. Guard Chaz Lanier was instrumental, delivering a standout performance with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Lanier's sharpshooting, including 6-of-13 from beyond the arc, underscores his offensive capabilities. Complementing Lanier, point guard Zakai Zeigler contributed a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills.

On the other side, the UCLA Bruins (23-10) dominated Utah State with a commanding 72-47 victory. Forward Eric Dailey Jr. led the scoring with 14 points, while center Aday Mara made a significant impact off the bench, recording 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Mara's defensive presence and efficiency, shooting 60.7% from the field this season, add depth to UCLA's lineup.

Both teams boast strong defensive records. Tennessee ranks third nationally in defensive rating, allowing an average of 63 points per game, while UCLA is not far behind, conceding 65.2 points per game. Offensively, the Volunteers average 74.7 points per game, closely matched by the Bruins at 74.8 points per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest updates, Tennessee is favored by 4.5 points, with the over/under set at 132.5 points. The moneyline stands at Tennessee -188 and UCLA +155.

Key betting trends to consider:

• UCLA has covered the spread in 3 of their last 4 games.
• The Bruins' game totals have gone over in 3 of their last 4 games.
• Tennessee is 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games.
• The over has hit in 5 of Tennessee’s last 6 games.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. UCLA Bruins Prediction

This matchup features two defensively adept teams with balanced offensive capabilities. Tennessee's Chaz Lanier has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging 18 points per game and shooting over 40% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor will be crucial against UCLA's defense.

UCLA's offense, while efficient, lacks a standout scorer, with Tyler Bilodeau leading at 13.5 points per game. The Bruins will need a collective effort to penetrate Tennessee's formidable defense.

Considering Tennessee's superior defensive metrics and the offensive firepower of Lanier and Zeigler, the Volunteers have a slight edge. However, UCLA's recent form and ability to cover the spread make them a formidable opponent.

Prediction: Tennessee 72, UCLA 67

Betting Pick: Over 132.5 points

While Tennessee is favored to win, the Bruins' resilience suggests they could cover the spread. Bettors should consider the over, given both teams' recent trends toward higher-scoring games.

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