Saint Peter’s vs Tennessee Odds & Prediction: How to Bet Thursday’s Clash

As March Madness starts to heat up, the First Round showdown between the Saint Peter's Peacocks and the Tennessee Volunteers draws significant betting interest, showcasing a David vs. Goliath narrative ripe with intrigue.

This matchup, set on the one-year anniversary of the Peacocks’ historic Elite Eight run, presents a classic tale of underdog determination against established powerhouse performance, making it a compelling case for sports bettors.

Let's dive in.

Saint Peter's has had a challenging season, with its offense ranking 306th in Adjusted Efficiency and a particularly dismal 349th in Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%). Such statistics might initially seem disheartening, but a deeper look reveals strengths that could impact this matchup significantly.

The Peacocks’ 23rd rank in Offensive Rebounding Percentage indicates a relentless pursuit of second-chance points, complemented by a respectable rank of 52nd in Free Throw Rate. However, their significant struggles with ball control, evidenced by their 324th rank in Turnover Percentage, underscore a vulnerability that could be exploited by a tenacious defensive team like Tennessee.

Defensively, Saint Peter’s has shown more promise. Their 76th rank in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency, bolstered by an impressive 22nd in defensive eFG%, demonstrates their capability to disrupt opponents' shooting rhythms.

Additionally, their 31st rank in Turnover Percentage showcases an aggressive defense that could create opportunities against less disciplined teams. However, their poor performance in defensive rebounding and high Foul Rate could prove to be Achilles' heels in sustaining defensive pressure over the course of the game.

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The Volunteers enter this game with a robust profile, boasting the 29th rank in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Their balanced attack is highlighted by a solid 36th rank in Turnover Percentage and a commendable 75th in Offensive Rebounding Rate, indicating efficient ball handling and an effective inside game.

However, their middling rank in eFG% suggests potential vulnerabilities in shooting consistency that could be leveraged by a defensively strong opponent.

On defense, Tennessee shines by ranking third in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and an impressive seventh in defensive eFG%. This defensive prowess, combined with a decent ability to force turnovers, positions them as a formidable barrier to any offense.

Despite their lower ranking in defensive rebounding and a tendency to commit fouls, their overall defensive strategy effectively stifles opponents' scoring opportunities.

Given the stark contrast in both teams' offensive and defensive capabilities, there is value on Tennessee covering the 21-point spread.

The Volunteers' robust defense is likely to severely limit the Peacocks' already struggling offense, while Tennessee's disciplined and efficient offense can exploit Saint Peter's defensive lapses, particularly on the rebounding front and at the free throw line.

In the high-pressure environment of March Madness, Tennessee's balanced and experienced squad is poised to assert its dominance early and maintain a commanding lead, making them the best bet for this matchup.

With a Volunteers team that has faced a much stronger strength of schedule, they should be aware of the 2022 March Madness result involving Saint Peter’s upsetting multiple elite teams on their way to the Elite Eight and not take the Peacocks lightly.

Pick: Tennessee -21.5