Villanova vs. Tennessee odds, picks and prediction

The No. 4 Villanova Wildcats (2-1) and No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) meet Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. Tennessee odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Wildcats suffered an 86-77 overtime loss at UCLA. Villanova bounced back with a 100-81 win over Howard, although the Wildcats failed to cover for a second straight game. The Over is 3-0 through three games for 'Nova.

The Volunteers will face their first out-of-state opponent after topping Tennessee-Martin and East Tennessee State in the first two outings. The Over is 2-0 through two games for the Vols.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Villanova vs. Tennessee odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:50 a.m. ET.

• Money line: Villanova -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Tennessee +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
• Against the spread (ATS): Villanova -2.5 (-105) | Tennessee +2.5 (-120)
• Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Villanova vs. Tennessee odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Villanova 75, Tennessee 70

Money line

VILLANOVA (-140) isn't overpriced in this neutral-site battle in Connecticut. The Wildcats are the better team, deeper, and they're more battle tested, too, after a narrow overtime loss at UCLA, another Top 5 team.

Against the spread

VILLANOVA -2.5 (-105) is a little cheaper against the number, and all they have to do is win by a bucket. Either 'Nova on the money line, or against the spread, is the way to go. Tennessee +2.5 (-120) won't be ready for this measuring-stick game, but the experience of facing a top-tier program and the subsequent loss will do them well in the long run.

Over/Under

OVER 139.5 (-112) is the slight lean here, but play it lightly. Villanova has hit the Over in each of its three games so far, and Tennessee has hit the Over in its two games, too. The Over is 12-5 in the past 17 neutral-site games for 'Nova, too, while going 9-3 in the past 12 neutral-site games for Tennessee.

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