Tennessee basketball vs UCLA live score: Prediction, how to watch March Madness bracket

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LEXINGTON, Ky. − Tennessee basketball is a win away from a trip to Indianapolis and the third straight Sweet 16.

The No. 2 seed Vols (27-8) face No. 10 seed UCLA (23-10) on Thursday (9:40 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV) at Rupp Arena. If the Vols win, they will advance to the Midwest Regional in Indianapolis to continue chasing the first Final Four in program history.

The Vols have a 3-2 record in second-round games under coach Rick Barnes. Tennessee has reached the Sweet 16 in the past two tournaments, including advancing to the Elite Eight in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Tennessee has faced the Bruins once in program history, a 103-89 loss in January 1977.

What channel is Tennessee vs UCLA on today? How to watch, stream live​

• TV channel: TBS/truTV
• Stream: NCAA March Madness Live app | SlingTV

Tennesee will tip off vs. UCLA on channel. Streaming options include the NCAA March Madness Live app and Sling TV. Announcers for the game are Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson and Allie LaForce.

Tennessee vs UCLA start time, TV channel, location​

• Start time: 9:40 p.m. ET
• TV info: TNT/truTV
• Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky

Tennessee vs UCLA preview​

Tennessee: Tennessee has an elite defense again under Barnes, while Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler are the stars offensively. Lanier and Zeigler both received multiple All-America honors, while Zeigler was the SEC defensive player of the year. The Vols also feature seniors guard Jahmai Mashack and Jordan Gainey.

UCLA: The Bruins provide a stern test for Tennessee’s ball security. UCLA forces turnovers on 22.7% of possessions, which ranks seventh nationally. The defense is the calling card as the Bruins rank 15th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency under coach Mick Cronin.

Tennessee vs UCLA odds, betting line, spread​

Odds according to BetMGM.

• Spread: -5.5
• Over/under: 130.5
• Moneyline: -225

Team vs UCLA prediction, game picks​

Tennessee 64, UCLA 59: The Vols move on to the Sweet 16 again in a tightly played, low-scoring game in the second round.

Team vs UCLA injury updates​

Tennessee: J.P. Estrella is out for the season after having foot surgery in November.

Tennessee vs UCLA stats​

Tennessee

• PPG: 74.8
• PPG allowed: 63.0
• FG%: 45.6%
• 3PT%: 34.1%
• KenPom ranking: No. 5

UCLA

• PPG: 74.7
• PPG allowed: 65.2
• FG%: 46.7%
• 3PT%: 35.4%
• KenPom ranking: No. 19

Tennessee vs UCLA championship odds​

Odds according to BetMGM:

Tennessee: +1800

UCLA: +10000

Tennessee basketball schedule 2024-25​

The past five games of Tennessee's 2024-25 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here

March 20	Tennessee 76, Wofford 62
March 16	Florida 86, Tennessee 77
March 15	Tennessee 70, Auburn 65
March 14	Tennessee 83, Texas 72
March 8	Tennessee 75, South Carolina 65

UCLA basketball schedule 2024-25​

The past five games of UCLA's 2024-25 basketball season. For the full schedule, click here

March 20	UCLA 72, Utah State 47
March 14	Wisconsin 86, UCLA 70
March 8	UCLA 90, USC 63
March 3	UCLA 73, Northwestern 69
Feb 28	Purdue 76, UCLA 66
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Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee vs UCLA score, updates, TV channel for March Madness bracket

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