UCLA vs Tennessee Odds, Second Round Prediction and March Madness Picks for March 22

Just like that, we’re on to the round of 32, with the UCLA Bruins taking on the Tennessee Volunteers. While the Volunteers have higher odds for March Madness, we can’t overlook UCLA after their dominant win over Utah State.

Still, it’s no surprise that Tennessee is favored, laying -4.5 points to the Bruins. Before you place any bets, let’s take a quick look at the NCAA basketball odds, and see how the Volunteers can ice the Bruins and cover the spread.

UCLA vs Tennessee Prediction Today March 22

My prediction

Both teams will stick to their guns – physical defense and ball pressure. That said, the Vols are the superior team and have the edge in rebounding, an area where the Bruins are barely present. While UCLA will try to pressure Tennessee’s offense, the Vols are turnover-proof and thrive on a slower-paced playstyle. In other words: Vols take this one.

Top 3 UCLA vs Tennessee Betting Picks

My top picks

1. UCLA vs Tennessee ATS Pick: Tennessee -4.5 points
2. UCLA vs. Tennessee O/U Pick: Under 132 points
3. UCLA vs. Tennessee best point-scorer bet: Chaz Lanier Under 16.5 points

My Analysis

Both teams are going to stick to their guns – physical defense and ball pressure. That said, the Vols are the better team in that department, and the real game-changer will be rebounding – something the Bruins have struggled with all season. Expect Tennessee to put UCLA’s already limited offense in a bind and cause havoc. Vols win this one and keep their odds for NCAA championship alive.

Defense will set the tone for this one, with Tennessee’s top-tier perimeter defense going up against UCLA’s tough defense, this will turn into a battle of who can secure the most stops and control the tempo. That’s why for my March Madness predictions, I’m all-in on the under.

Even with the NCAA basketball news highlighting Vols’ Chaz Lanier’s scoring abilities, I’m expecting him to finish under 16.5 points this time. He may be coming off a 29-point game, but you can bank on the Bruins defense to swarm him and make sure he doesn’t get any clean looks. Look, the senior guard will get his points, but it won’t be another shooting clinic.

UCLA vs Tennessee March Madness Best Prop Bet

Zakai Zeigler Over 6.5 Assists (-125)

Of all the NCAA men’s basketball games, this is a great chance for Vols PG Zakai Zeigler to remind everyone how good of a passer he is. He’s coming off a 12-assist game, and despite facing a compact defense like the Bruins’, I like the veteran guard’s odds to come up big in the assist column and dishing out another seven dimes.

UCLA vs Tennessee How to Watch

• Game: UCLA Bruins (23-10) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (28-7)
• Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
• Date/Time: Mar. 22, 9:40 p.m. ET
• UCLA vs Tennessee: Fubo.tv

UCLA vs Tennessee Betting Trends:

• Bruins: 4-4 ATS as underdog.
• Volunteers: 16-11 ATS after a win.

Get updated UCLA vs Tennessee betting trends here.