Western Carolina vs Tennessee Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/17/24

In this article, we will formulate a Western Carolina vs Tennessee prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, December 17th at the Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Preview

The Western Carolina Catamounts are 3-6 this year after they lost to UNC Asheville by a score of 78-61 in their last game. Western Carolina trailed 42-33 at halftime and they only managed 28 points in the second half in the loss. The Catamounts shot 39.3% from the field, 24.1% on three-pointers, and 46.2% on free throws in the game. Marcus Kell led Western Carolina with 11 points and two rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Catamounts lost to SC Upstate by a score of 74-68 but did beat Bellarmine before that. Western Carolina has scored 72.9 points per game and they have allowed 76.1 points per game, while also averaging 39.9 rebounds and 13.9 assists per game this season. Ice Emery is averaging 12.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while Western Carolina is shooting 43.2% from the field, 67.7% on free throws, and 31.4% on three-pointers this year. 

Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers are 10-0 this season after they defeated Illinois by a score of 66-64 in their last game. Tennessee led 31-30 at halftime, but they needed a basket at the buzzer to get the win. The Volunteers shot 32.3% from the field, 25% on three-pointers, and 71.4% on free throws in the game. Jordan Gainey led Tennessee with 23 points and two assists in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Volunteers won their first nine games of the season, including wins over Louisville, Virginia, Baylor, Syracuse, and Miami. Tennessee has scored 80.8 points per game and they have allowed 57.9 points per game, while also averaging 38.7 rebounds and 16.2 assists per game this season. Chaz Lanier is averaging 18.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while Tennessee is shooting 49.9% from the field, 73.8% on free throws, and 36.5% on three-pointers this year. Tennessee will face Middle Tennessee, Norfolk State, Arkansas, and Florida following this one.

Why Tennessee will beat Western Carolina

• Tennessee has won each of its last 33 games against non-conference opponents at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.
• Western Carolina has lost each of its last five road games against non-conference opponents.
• Western Carolina has lost the first half in each of its last five road games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Western Carolina’s last four night games has produced a total of 148+ points.
• Six of Tennessee’s last seven games at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center have produced a total of 144+ points.

Western Carolina vs Tennessee Prediction 

Tennessee comes into this matchup after picking up a very nice road win against Illinois and they will look to stay undefeated here. The Volunteers have been great on both ends of the court, as they are allowing just 57.9 points per game. Western Carolina has lost five of their last six games and they have scored 62 points or fewer in three of their last five. This is a huge number to cover, but I think Tennessee will hold Western Carolina to below 60 points. Take the Volunteers at home.