This is an OVC Conference title matchup that I saw the potential of, but never knew we would actually be getting it. SE Missouri State vs Tennessee Tech will be a good way to kick off the tournament finals happening in 2023. Both teams are hot right now and we will see what team will be the first to punch their ticket to the dance. SE Missouri State is a 2.5 point favorite with the over/under set at 148. Here is my best bet for this OVC tournament final.
SE Missouri State
The SE Missouri State Redhawks have been fantastic in the OVC tournament so far. They have won every game of the tournament that they have played by more than two possessions. The Redhawks beat Lindenwood by 19, they beat Tennessee State by 8, and they beat the number one seed Morehead State by 7. Two names from this team that you want to watch out for that have been hot is sophomore guard Phillip Russell and senior guard Chris Harris.
In the tournament, Russell is averaging 17 points per game, 5 rebounds per game and 4.3 assists per game. Harris is averaging 18.3 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game in the tournament. The dynamic duo have been a big reason why the Redhawks have made the finals. They split the season series with Tennessee Tech so anything can happen in this one. However, if these two guys are not on their A game, it will be a long night for the Redhawks.
Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech only had to play one game in the OVC tournament to make the finals. A great second half led them to their win over UT-Martin. Their big time player Jaylen Sebree had 28 points and 14 rebounds last night. He sparked that big time second half last night, but they will need to keep up that intensity in the OVC final today. If Sebree and Brett Thompson don’t have good games tonight, this team will struggle against a red hot SE Missouri State team.
The Don’s Best Bet
My official play in this one is SE Missouri St -130. The Redhawks are hot and their defense has played well so far in the OVC tournament. If they can contain Tennessee Tech’s duo, they will be going to the NCAA tournament for the second time in school history. Ride the Redhawks to the cash counter tonight.
