The #2 Tennessee Volunteers (28-7) face the #7 UCLA Bruins (23-10) in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY on Saturday, March 22.

Opening Odds:

• Spread: Tennessee -5.5
• Moneyline: Tennessee -245 / UCLA +200
• Total: 128.5 (Over/Under -110)
• Tennessee's Final Four odds: +380
• Tennessee's National Championship odds: +2200

Team Comparison:

• Net Rating: Tennessee 5th, UCLA 26th
• Offensive Rating: Tennessee 18th, UCLA 36th
• Defensive Rating: Tennessee 3rd, UCLA 17th
• Both teams play at a slow pace

First Round Performance: Tennessee defeated Wofford convincingly:

• Led by 9 at halftime
• Chaz Lanier scored 29 points
• Zakai Zeigler had 12 points and 12 assists
• Final margin of 15 points

UCLA handled Utah State easily:

• Built 12-point halftime lead
• Extended to 20-point advantage
• Seven players scored 7+ points
• Skyy Clark led with 14 points

Key Context:

• Tennessee is 7-2 in their last 9 games
• Vols' only loss outside top 25 was to #47 Vanderbilt
• Tennessee beat Illinois on the road (66-64)
• UCLA lost to Illinois (83-78)
• Teams haven't faced each other this season

The matchup features two defensive-minded teams, explaining the low total. Tennessee's superior ratings and recent form make them favorites to advance to the Sweet 16.

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