The women played all their regular season and conference tournament games. Now, there is only one thing left. Teams finally begin to play in the Big Dance. Games start this weekend in earnest. That's right. Let's head to the state of North Carolina. At Online Sports Betting, we look at a matchup which could change the guard. So, first, we look at Green Bay vs Tennessee bets featuring the Tennessee Lady Vols. They tussle with Green Bay, a team that could provide the upset.
- WHAT: Green Bay Phoenix versus Tennessee Lady Vols
- WHEN: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, 12:00 pm ET on ESPN or streamed on FUBO TV
- WHERE: Reynolds Coliseum, Raleigh, North Carolia
- WHY: NCAA Women's Tournament Round 1 Matchup
The wagerers love potential upset. In the women's ranks, these come far more rare than on the men's side. However, they do happen. This has potential because of how the Lady Vols have played this season. The Green Bay vs Tennessee bets look at a Phoenix team that truly has risen from the ashes. Now, March Madness Betting 2024 takes on a life of its own. After all, this Tennessee squad lost a dozen games this year. Here is a quick table for the Saturday High Noon clash, courtesy of Bovada Online Sportsbook.
Green Bay vs Tennessee Bets And Strange Times Indeed
Green Bay vs Tennessee bets lament about the strange times indeed. So, we truly live in a different era of college sports. That applies especially to the ladies side of the equation. For decades, Tennessee was one of the gold standards of Women's College Basketball. Think back to all the titles won by Pat Summitt. Those teams were special in every way. Now, times are different. Tennessee has been replaced in the SEC echelon by the likes of South Carolina and LSU.
Tennessee finished sixth in the SEC during the year. They lost to South Carolina in their best effort of the season. However, they came up short. Was that their high-water point of the season. Some believe it might have been. Or is it a springboard to one more long run in the tournament? So, that depends on who you ask. Coach Kellie Harper has now managed consecutive 12-loss seasons. Some point to a 14-loss season Holly Warlick had where the Lady Vols were a whisker from the Final Four.
Unfortunately, times are different now and they are strange times indeed. The last time Tennessee got to the Final Four was also their last title in 2008. It has been that long. Now, Green Bay stands in their way of getting out of the first round. This may be more of a problem than anyone anticipates.
Going For Green Bay Is A Risk
The Green Bay vs Tennessee Bets go for Green Bay. This is a risk as the Phoenix have not been in the tournament since 2018. Furthermore, Green Bay has not advanced to the second round since 2012. Some will argue the past several years have seen this team miss out on the tournament. Many feel they should have been in at least a few times. Now, that debate can take place at another time. We are worried more about the now.
Some pointed out their strength of schedule. Yes, it is in the negative which is not great. Let's face it. Tennessee has enjoyed a few good performances and like we said, their best was still a loss. Green Bay avenged an embarrassing loss to Cleveland State and thumped them by more than 20 points. It was a conference tournament that left the Phoenix flying higher than any eagle. Anyway, this 27-win team is far from a fluke.
Even with Tennessee's tough schedule, giving up nearly 70 points a contest is not a good recipe for victories. At the least, Tennessee favored by 8.5 points at a neutral site does seem a bit high. Sure, this is something that could be dead wrong. However, there is some worth in taking the danger head on. The Phoenix score pretty constantly close to 70 points and average more than 74 a game on the season. The Phoenix are fast and Bailey Butler is a speed merchant who can pass with pace.
Again, Green Bay can go 5-6 players deep. That might be something Tennessee has seen before and had some difficulty in dealing with this season. The Phoenix balance and team speed rivals the Lady Vols and it is what can keep Green Bay close in this tilt. Add in the Noon start and maybe Green Bay gets an early jump here.
Green Bay vs Tennessee Bets Going For The Outright
So, what about Green Bay vs Tennessee bets going for the outright? The idea is not preposterous by any means. Tennessee has lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before. It happened in 2009 and 2019. Those were the last years Summit and Warlick coached by the way. Some say Kellie Harper is on the hot seat here too. However, this feels different. The program is not what it once was and this year, some thought Tennessee might not make the tournament until their showing the past couple weeks.
This Tennessee team will cause a few matchup problems for Green Bay realistically. Now, the Phoenix must slow down Rickea Jackson. She averages 19.2 points and eight rebounds a contest. Jenna Guyer could be a wildcard off the bench for Green Bay. She has shown the ability to eat up minutes and neutralize things in the paint. This is a different stage but this is also a different Lady Vols team too.
With a +320 Moneyline, take a shot at Green Bay late on a few dollars.
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