The Florida Atlantic Owls and Tennessee Volunteers will lock horns in the Sweet 16, with the winner punching their ticket to the Elite Eight. Florida Atlantic outlasted Memphis in a classic back-and-forth match. The Owls then defeated America’s darlings, Fairleigh Dickinson. As was with their regular season, the Tennessee Volunteers have been up and down in the tournament. The Volunteers squeaked a victory over Louisiana in the opening round and then overwhelmed Duke in the second round to arrive here. Tennessee bring one of the best defenses in the country, but Florida Atlantic will not be intimidated. Expect this match-up to be a slugfest.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Tennessee Volunteers: Betting Odds
| TEAMS | LINES | OVER/UNDER | MONEY LINE |
| Florida Atlantic | +5.5 (-110) | O 130.5 (-110) | +200 |
| Tennessee | -5.5 (-110) | U 130.5 (-110) | -240 |
Tennessee Guard Santiago Vescovi has stepped up recently and has provided the necessary lift for the Volunteer’s offense in the absence of floor general Zakai Zeigler. Vescovi leads the team in scoring while averaging five rebounds and three assists per game. Vescovi shoots 40% from the floor and 37% from behind the arc.
Volunteers Forward Olivier Nkamhoua provides the physicality Tennessee needs to have its top-ranked defense. Nkamhoua leads the team in rebounding, averaging 11 points and two assists per game, shooting 52% from the floor.
Tennessee Guard Josiah-Jordan James provides critical contributions with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal per game. James shoots 38% from the floor and 85% from the free-throw line.
Florida Atlantic Guard Johnell Davis is the Owl’s leader on offense and defense. Davis leads the team in points and steals, shooting 50% from the floor, 39% from three-point range, and 85% from the stripe.
Owls Center Vladislav Goldin has to play better against Tennessee if Florida Atlantic is to advance. Goldin averages ten points per game while leading the team in rebounds and blocked shots. Goldin is an automatic 63% from the floor.
Florida Atlantic Guard Nicholas Boyd contributes in a variety of ways. Boyd averages nine points and four rebounds per game while leading the team in assists per game. Boyd shoots 45% from the floor and 40% from the three-point range.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Tennessee Volunteers: Match Details
Fixture: Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Date & Time: Thursday, March 23, 9:00 pm ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Tennessee Volunteers: Prediction
Tennessee is favored, but they have been the more inconsistent team. There is a reason as to why Florida Atlantic have won 30+ games. We will give the Volunteers our vote to bring their A-game, but this feels like a game that comes down to the final possession. Give us Florida Atlantic, and we’ll take the points.
