Tennessee vs Florida Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/7/25

In this article, we will formulate a Tennessee vs Florida prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 7th at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers are 14-0 (1-0) this season after they defeated Arkansas by a score of 76-52 in their last game. Tennessee led 42-27 at halftime and held Arkansas to just 25 points in the second half in the win. The Volunteers shot 39.1% from the field, 38.5% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Chaz Lanier has led Tennessee with 29 points and two rebounds, while Igor Milicic Jr. added 13 points and 18 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Volunteers defeated Norfolk State by a score of 67-52 and Middle Tennessee by a score of 82-64. Tennessee has won their first 14 games of the season, including wins over Louisville, Baylor, Illinois, and Miami. Tennessee has scored 79.8 points per game and they have allowed 55.9 points per game, while also averaging 39.8 rebounds and 16.9 assists per game this season. Chaz Lanier is averaging 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while Zakai Zeigler is averaging 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game this year. Tennessee is shooting 48.1% from the field, 75.6% on free throws, and 35.7% on three-pointers this season. 

Florida Gators Betting Preview

The Florida Gators are 13-1 (0-1) this year after they lost to Kentucky by a score of 106-100 in their last game. Florida trailed 52-42 at halftime, but they did score 58 points in the second half in the loss. The Gators shot 55% from the field, 36.4% on three-pointers, and 62.9% on free throws in the game. Walter Clayton Jr. led Florida with 33 points and five assists, while Alijah Martin added 26 points and five rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Gators defeated Stetson by a score of 85-45 and North Florida by a score of 99-45. Florida had won their first 13 games of the season, including wins against North Carolina and Florida State. Florida has scored 88.3 points per game and they have allowed 66.5 points per game, while also averaging 45.1 rebounds and 16.1 assists per game this season. Walter Clayton Jr. is averaging 18.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, while Alijah Martin is averaging 15.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this season. Florida is shooting 47.8% from the field, 72.2% on free throws, and 34.6% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Tennessee will beat Florida 

• Tennessee has won each of its last 14 games.
• Florida has lost three of its last four games at Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
• Florida has lost the first half in four of its last five games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Florida’s last nine games against the Southeastern Conference has produced a total of 153+ points.
• Each of Tennessee’s last 10 Tuesday night games against the Southeastern Conference have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.

Tennessee vs Florida Prediction 

These two teams come into this matchup with some of the best records in the country, but Florida will have the home-court advantage. The Gators are coming off of a loss on the road against Kentucky and while they do have a win over UNC, they haven’t played a very difficult schedule. Tennessee is still undefeated on the season and just blew out Arkansas by 24 points. The Volunteers are a great defensive team, as they are allowing 55.9 points per game, but they will play one of the highest-scoring teams here. Florida is scoring 88.3 points per game this year and I do expect the home-court advantage to give them a solid boost to start the game. This should be a great matchup to watch, but I am siding with Tennessee, who has already shown its ability to win a big game on the road. Take the Vols here.