Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Sam Lewis (5) and Virginia Cavaliers forward Thijs de Ridder (28) celebrate after the game against the Wright State Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Tennessee vs Virginia Prediction 3/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Tennessee Volunteers Virginia Cavaliers
Team Records 23-11 30-5
Spread -1.5 102 +1.5 -122
Moneyline -118 -102
Total Over 137.5 (-108) Under 137.5 (-112)
Where Virginia Stadium
When Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time 06:10 PM EDT
TV TNT

The Tennessee Volunteers and Virginia Cavaliers meet Sunday in the college basketball NCAA Tournament at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Here’s a Tennessee vs. Virginia Prediction. This article will include a Tennessee vs. Virginia Pick.

Tennessee Volunteers Betting Preview


The Tennessee Volunteers beat Miami OH and lost to Vanderbilt. Tennessee has lost 4 of its last 7 games.

The Tennessee Volunteers are averaging 80.1 points on 46.6 percent shooting and allowing 69.5 points on 41.1 percent shooting. Ja’Kobi Gillespie is averaging 18.3 points and 2.8 rebounds, while Nate Ament is averaging 17 points and 2.4 assists. JP Estrella is the third double-digit scorer and Felix Okpara is grabbing 6.2 rebounds. The Tennessee Volunteers are shooting 33.8 percent from beyond the arc and 69.4 percent from the free throw line. The Tennessee Volunteers are allowing 30.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39.7 rebounds per game.

Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview


The Virginia Cavaliers beat Wright State and lost to Duke. Virginia has won 10 of its last 12 games.

The Virginia Cavaliers are averaging 83.1 points on 46.4 percent shooting and allowing 70.6 points on 39.6 percent shooting. Thijs De Ridder is averaging 16 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Malik Thomas is averaging 12.3 points and 1.7 assists. Sam Lewis is the third double-digit scorer and Chance Mallory is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Virginia Cavaliers are shooting 36.3 percent from beyond the arc and 73.1 percent from the free throw line. The Virginia Cavaliers are allowing 31.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 37.6 rebounds per game.

Why the Virginia Cavaliers will win

  • Virginia has won each of its last eight games against non-Conference opponents.
  • Tennessee has lost five of its last six games as an AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
  • Virginia has won the first half in 13 of its last 16 games against non-Conference opponents.

Why the Tennessee Volunteers will win

  • Tennessee has won each of its last six games against the Atlantic Coast Conference at neutral venues.
  • Virginia has lost eight of its last nine night games against AP-ranked opponents.
  • Virginia has lost the first half in 11 of its last 12 games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of Virginia’s last six games has produced a total of 144+ points.
  • Six of Tennessee’s last seven games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 140+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

  • Virginia ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (39.7%).
  • Virginia ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (55.5%).
  • Tennessee ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (42.6).
  • Tennessee is one of only six teams to reach the Sweet 16 in each of its last three NCAA Tournament appearances.

Tennessee vs Virginia Prediction


It feels like we’re getting points with the better, more consistent team. Virginia has played better ball this season and seems to have more of an identity. Tennessee defends well, but it’s been hit or miss overall and is 15-19 ATS on the season. Virginia plays that elite defense it always does, but this year’s squad has bite offensively. I expect Virginia to win this game outright, so getting points feels like a steal. Give me the Cavs to advance to the Sweet 16.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Virginia +1.5