The NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament kicks off with a first-round game between the Miami (OH) RedHawks and the Tennessee Volunteers. This game takes place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Fans can catch the action on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 4:25 PM ET on TBS.
Miami (OH) RedHawks had an impressive regular season. They finished with an overall record of 31-1 and a conference record of 18-1 in the Mid-American Conference. Their strong performance earned them the 11th seed in this tournament.
The Tennessee Volunteers hold the 6th seed in the Midwest Region. They ended their regular season with a 22-11 overall record and a 12-8 record in the Southeastern Conference. In their recent games, they had a win against Auburn but faced losses to Vanderbilt twice.
Tennessee Preview
The Tennessee Volunteers are ranked #23 in the AP poll. They play in the Southeastern Conference. In the 2025 postseason, they had a strong run. They won three games before losing to Houston in the Elite Eight.
During the 2026 regular season, the Volunteers had an overall record of 22-11. Their conference record was 12-8. They played well at home and had some close games. They lost to Vanderbilt by 7 points and beat Auburn by 10 points.
The Volunteers scored an average of 79.5 points per game. They ranked 9th in rebounds per game with 42.6. They also had 16.9 assists per game. Their field goal percentage was 46.3.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie was a key player, averaging 18 points per game. Nate Ament also contributed with 17.5 points per game. J.P. Estrella had a field goal percentage of 61.4. Felix Okpara was strong in rebounds, averaging 6.2 per game.
Miami (OH) Preview
The Miami (OH) RedHawks had a strong 2026 regular season. They played in the Mid-American Conference and finished with an overall record of 31-1. In conference play, they went 18-1, showing their strength in the league.
Offensively, the RedHawks scored an average of 90.7 points per game, ranking them 4th. Their field goal percentage was 52.4, which was the best in the league. They also made 10.4 three-pointers per game, placing them 39th in that category.
On the defensive side, the RedHawks had 7.4 steals per game. They also managed 3.3 blocks per game. Their turnovers per game were 10.1, which shows they handled the ball well.
Key players included Peter Suder and Brant Byers. Suder averaged 14.6 points per game, while Byers scored 14.3 points per game. Antwone Woolfolk also contributed with 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Statistical Breakdown for Tennessee vs Miami (OH)
The game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Miami (OH) RedHawks will be shaped by several key stats. Miami (OH) has a high-scoring offense, averaging 90.7 points per game, while Tennessee scores 79.5 points per game. Miami (OH) leads in field goal percentage at 52.4%, compared to Tennessee’s 46.3%. Rebounding will be crucial, with Tennessee grabbing 42.6 rebounds per game, while Miami (OH) has 35.5. Turnovers could also play a role, as Miami (OH) averages 10.1 turnovers per game, and Tennessee averages 11.4.
- Miami (OH) Points Per Game: 90.7
- Tennessee Points Per Game: 79.5
- Miami (OH) Field Goal Percentage: 52.4%
- Tennessee Field Goal Percentage: 46.3%
- Tennessee Rebounds Per Game: 42.6
- Miami (OH) Rebounds Per Game: 35.5
- Miami (OH) Turnovers Per Game: 10.1
- Tennessee Turnovers Per Game: 11.4
Betting Insights
The Miami (OH) RedHawks and Tennessee Volunteers have shown different betting trends from last season. Miami (OH) has been strong against the spread, while Tennessee has had mixed results. These trends can help guide your betting decisions. Below are the top five trends to consider for this game.
- Miami (OH) is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games.
- Miami (OH) is 3-0 ATS in their last 3 games.
- Tennessee is 4-1 on the Over in their last 5 games.
- Miami (OH) is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Tennessee is 2-1 on the Over in their last 3 games.
Free Betting Prediction for Tennessee vs Miami (OH)
The Tennessee Volunteers have a strong home record and a solid lineup. Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament are key scorers, and their rebounding strength is notable. They average 42.6 rebounds per game, which could give them an edge in controlling the game. Tennessee’s defense will need to be sharp to handle Miami (OH)’s high-scoring offense.
Miami (OH) RedHawks have been impressive with their scoring ability. They average 90.7 points per game and have a high field goal percentage. Their ability to make three-pointers adds another layer to their offense. However, their rebounding is weaker compared to Tennessee, which might be a challenge.
Given the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, Tennessee’s home advantage and rebounding might be crucial. Miami (OH) will need to rely on their scoring to keep up. The game could be close, but Tennessee’s overall balance might help them win.
- Our Free Prediction: Miami (OH) +11.5
