LSU Tigers vs Tennessee Volunteers Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 14, 2026
The LSU Tigers travel to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night. LSU is 14-10 overall and 2-9 in SEC play, which places the Tigers 14th in the SEC standings, after a 91-62 loss to Arkansas in their last outing. Tennessee enters at 17-7 overall and 7-4 in conference action, sitting 4th in the SEC standings, and coming off a 73-64 road win over Mississippi State. Back your angle with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, February 14
- Time: 6:00 PM ET
- Location: Food City Center (Knoxville, TN)
- Where to Watch: SEC Network
LSU Tigers Outlook
LSU is scoring 81.5 points per game, but the defense has been the problem at 75.4 allowed, and the Tigers are coming off back-to-back losses by double digits. LSU does shoot it well overall (48% from the field) and can score in bunches when Max Mackinnon and Marquel Sutton are getting clean looks off transition.
Mackinnon leads LSU at 14.5 points per game and is their steadiest shotmaker, while Sutton (13.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg) leads the interior and second-chance opportunities. LSU also has a true playmaker in Dedan Thomas Jr., averaging 6.5 assists per game, but turnovers (11.1 per game) can spike when the pace increases. Jalen Reed is out, while Max Mackinnon and Dedan Thomas Jr. are questionable.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 81.5
- Points Allowed: 75.4
- Rebounds: 37.4
- Assists: 14.7
- Steals: 6.3
- Blocks: 3.9
- Turnovers: 11.1
Tennessee Volunteers Outlook
Tennessee plays well defensively, allowing 69.5 points per game, and the Volunteers have won four of their last five with consistent shot quality and rebounding. Tennessee’s 43.2 rebounds per game give the Vols more possessions, and the half-court defense keeps opponents from scoring inside.
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Ja’Kobi Gillespie leads the way at 18.5 points and 5.3 assists per game, providing scoring and playmaking while Nate Ament adds 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds as a reliable secondary option. Tennessee’s offense averages 17.5 assists per game, and the Volunteers are comfortable turning defense into offense when cleaning the defensive boards. Cade Phillips is out and Clarence Massamba is questionable.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 81.4
- Points Allowed: 69.5
- Rebounds: 43.2
- Assists: 17.5
- Steals: 7.7
- Blocks: 3.5
- Turnovers: 12.8
LSU Tigers vs Tennessee Volunteers Prediction
Tennessee holds the advantage on the glass and the defensive end, two areas that have hurt LSU in recent losses. Gillespie’s ability to create looks, plus Tennessee’s rebounding margin, put steady pressure on an LSU defense that has struggled to string together stops. LSU can score enough to keep it competitive most of the way, but Tennessee’s scoring options and defense will take over late. Final Score Prediction: Tennessee Volunteers win and cover ATS, 84-74.
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