25* College Basketball GAME OF THE YEAR on Tennessee +1

Missouri vs. Tennessee, 03/09/2013 16:00 EDT, Score: 62 - 64

Point Spread: +1/-110 Tennessee

Sportsbook: TopBet

Result: Win

The Tennessee Volunteers represent my strongest college basketball release for the entire 2012-13 season Saturday when they host the Missouri Tigers. This is a must-win game for Tennessee as it is squarely on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament. It won't be lacking any motivation today because of it.

Tennessee has played its best basketball of the season over the past month just to put itself in this position, and I look for it to continue today. The Vols have won seven of their last eight to get to 18-11 on the season. That includes four road wins and three impressive home victories over Kentucky (88-58), LSU (82-72) and Florida (64-58).

The Vols are now 12-3 at home this season. A big reason I'm backing them is the fact that Missouri is a terrible road team. The Tigers are just 2-7 in true road games this season with their only wins coming against SEC bottom feeders Mississippi State and South Carolina, who are a combined 7-27 in conference play this season.

Tennessee is 23-5 ATS as a home underdog of 6 points or less or pick since 1997. The Vols are 10-1 ATS versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 4+ per game after 15+games over the last 2 seasons. Tennessee is 6-0 ATS off a road win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons. The Tigers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. The Vols are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. These last four trends combine for a 27-1 system backing the Vols. Bet Tennessee Saturday.