College Hoops: Tennessee Vols vs Ole Miss Rebels

As we inch closer to Selection Sunday and the announcement of the 2010 NCAA Tournament field, some teams are playing their way into the Big Dance, while others are forcing their way out., with Ole Miss somewhere in the middle. One way to get the selection committee to really take notice would be with a win over Tennessee though, in Friday’s betting odds.

No. 13 Tennessee Volunteers (24-7 SU, 12-15-1 ATS) vs. Ole Miss Rebels (21-9 SU, 16-9-1 ATS)

Friday, March 12: 3:15 p.m.

Here are some NCAA Betting Trends which may impact this game:

Tennessee: 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games
Tennessee: 5-1 SU in their last 6 games

Ole Miss: 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
Ole Miss: 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

Ole Miss comes into this game, as winners of the SEC West, tied with Mississippi State and Arkansas in the loss column. However that means little to the tournament committee, as the Rebels still have work to do, despite winning their last four games.

As has been the case all season long, the biggest reason for success in Oxford, has been the play of their backcourt of Terrico White and Chris Warren. The two combine to average over 31 points a game, roughly 40 percent of the 78 Ole Miss scores as a team. And Warren may have had the best performance of his career last weekend, in the season finale against Arkansas. He scored 31 points, and the Rebels needed every one of them, as they held on for a 68-66 season ending victory.

Unlike Ole Miss, Tennessee is already in the NCAA Tournament, regardless of what happens Friday, although they’d most definitely be happy to get another win to add to their resume. They took the court Thursday afternoon and dismantled a feisty LSU team 59-49. In the game, the Vols emotional leader Wayne Chism was the star, scoring 17 points and adding 10 rebounds. Point guard Bobby Maze added 14 points as well.

Earlier in the year, Tennessee needed overtime to beat Ole Miss on Rocky Top. And looking at this one impartially, it looks like Ole Miss may be able to exact revenge in Friday’s betting odds.

Now we’re not saying that Ole Miss is the better team, because they’re simply not. But when you look at this one, you’ve got to think that the Rebels have a bit more to play for.

And as a veteran, and experienced team, expect them to come out and give their best effort. Coming off a first round bye, they should be well rested, and ready to take the challenge of battling Tennessee.
Add all those factors up, and the Rebels should be your play in Friday’s betting odds. They want to play in this year’s NCAA Tournament, and know they’ll need a win Friday to do so.

Aaron’s Pick: Ole Miss ATS