The Tennessee Volunteers may have put their March Madness hopes in jeopardy after missing their chance to knock out the Florida Gators in the SEC semifinals, but will likely still make it as a double-digit seed.
Once they do, they may be a nice little pick for an upset or two. One of the best teams this year according to advanced statistics, the Volunteers are possible sleepers ready to awaken upon their return to the Big Dance after a two-year absence. Read on for everything you need to know about this testy March Madness bid.
[sc:MarchMadness ]Tennessee Volunteers Preview
Key to Success – Offensive Rebounding
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]The Volunteers crash the offensive glass very well, giving themselves more opportunities at the basket. Their big man duo of Jarnell Stokes and Jeronne Maymon average eight of their 14 offensive rebounds per game. Opposing teams better be ready to box out inside, or else the Vols will dominate the glass and the game.
MVP – Jordan McRae
When the Vols are in need of a bucket, they turn to McRae. A two-time First Team All-SEC player, McRae is the team’s leading scorer at 18.8 PPG, as well as its most consistent perimeter threat (2.4 three-pointers made per game). Despite their ability to grab offensive boards, McRae will need to make some perimeter shots if the Vols hope to go far in the tournament.
Achilles Heel – Fouls
The Volunteers have a penchant for fouling that can get them in hot water against teams that can hit free throws. Tennessee commits over 17 fouls per game, one of the worst marks in the country. Excessive fouling obviously leads to foul trouble, both in terms of a single player or the team penalty. To potentially lose a key player while giving up easy points to the opposition is a dangerous combination, especially in the tournament.
Season Highlight – McRae Slams on Gators
Tennessee (and the entire SEC) was swept by all-conquering Florida this year, but McRae showed in this strong drive and finish that he wasn’t afraid to drive into the Gator-infested paint.
Prediction
Tennessee may look good in the spreadsheets, but they haven’t translated it to the actual court. Unless they meet a team that can’t protect the paint, a 2nd round berth is probably the best outcome the Vols can hope for in their return to the Big Dance.
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