Tennessee vs Texas: NCAA Tournament Odds, Prediction & Pick for Saturday, March 23

Tennessee vs Texas: NCAA Tournament Odds

Let's dive into Tennessee vs Texas NCAA Tournament odds, predictions and picks for Saturday, March 23.

We're treated to an SEC vs. Big 12 battle in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. There was plenty of doubt surrounding Texas' opener, as its opponent — Colorado State — was a trendy 10-over-7 pick.

Meanwhile, Tennessee did what it needed to do to get by Saint Peter's, a 15-seed.

Of these two orange teams, Tennessee was far more consistent throughout the season. It never seemed like Texas truly gelled under coach Rodney Terry, though the Longhorns still have an extremely high ceiling and some great NCAA Tournament experience.

Texas led from the jump in its First Round matchup against Colorado State. The Longhorns looked like the team we all expected to see throughout the season.

At various times this season, the Longhorns looked like one of the best teams in the Big 12, but they also looked lost at other points.

Texas' hands will be full against an extremely solid Tennessee team and will need to control the pace to find success. Tennessee is one of the most well-rounded teams in the country, but if Texas is able to speed up the pace, it can have success.

The Volunteers don't play at a sluggish pace, but are instead one of the more moderately-paced teams in the nation.

Texas guard Max Abmas can — and will — dictate the tempo for Texas. He's one of the most electric players in the country and has already made a name for himself in the NCAA Tournament from his days with Oral Roberts.

Look for him to lead the way and get the Longhorns running.

The Vols have a notorious history of choking when it matters most under coach Rick Barnes. I believe their loss in the SEC Tournament will benefit them as they look to make a NCAA Tournament run.

Texas is going to do all it can to speed up Tennessee, which could be a downfall for the Vols.

Tennessee's defense is the baseline of its success. The Vols usually do a great job of stopping teams in transition, and that'll be a massive storyline ahead of this game.

Forward Jonas Aidoo is an absolute force on both ends and has a chance to really make a name for himself here.

Guard Dalton Knecht gets all the love for the Vols, and rightfully so, but this is a game script for Aidoo to really flash.

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Tennessee is the better team and will have some advantages in the paint. However, Barnes has yet to prove he has what it takes to win in the NCAA Tournament.

We can talk about the players and the X's and O's all we want, but there's a reason the same coaches have success on a yearly basis.

I believe this Tennessee team is different and will have a great NCAA Tournament, but there will be bumps in the road.

I expect the Vols to win a close one, but I'm backing the Longhorns to cover.

Pick: Texas +6.5 (Play to +5)