No. 5 Tennessee will try to keep its momentum rolling when it hosts ACC foe Georgia Tech on Tuesday night.
The Vols are off to another fast start and most recently picked up a convincing 87-65 win over Louisiana.
As for Georgia Tech, it earned an 88-69 victory against Lamar to start its season on the right foot.
Let’s look at what to watch for in this SEC vs. ACC showdown.
Game Details
- Georgia Tech (1-0) at No. 5 Tennessee (2-0)
- Location: Thompson-Boling Arena – Knoxville, TN
- Game Date: Nov. 13
- Game Time: 9 p.m. EST
- Watch: ESPN2
Players to Watch
Grant Williams (Tennessee)
The reigning SEC player of the year is already showing why he’s the favorite to capture the honors once again.
Williams is averaging 22.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game thus far, which included scoring 31 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the victory over Louisiana.
It’s hard to believe that the 6-7 senior wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school because he’s managed to transform himself into one of college basketball’s premier players.
Kyle Alexander (Tennessee)
Alexander still may not get the credit he deserves, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing his impressive efforts in the lane.
The 6-11 senior is off to a productive start in averaging 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds to go along with 3.5 blocks per game.
His ability to affect shots in the lane is one of his greatest assets, and he played very well against the Yellow Jackets last season by finishing with seven points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.
Jose Alvarado (Georgia Tech)
With the exit of Josh Okogie to the NBA, Josh Pastner is going to need a host of players to step up considerably this season.
Alvarado will be relied upon to be the main guy to try to do that, as the 6-0 sophomore had an impressive first season by posting 12.1 points in 35.0 minutes per game.
His experience will make him someone that Pastner can turn to in close games, and Alvarado will need to be at his best against Tennessee’s tough backcourt.
Key Stats
The Vols were sixth in adjusted defensive efficiency last season, which helped them capture a share of the SEC regular season title.
That defensive focus could be an issue for the Yellow Jackets, as they had their fair share of issues a season ago in terms of finding a rhythm offensively.
Pastner’s group finished 319th nationally in shooting 31.8 percent from 3-point range, and weren’t much better from inside the perimeter in making only 46.6 percent of their 2-point shots (298th nationally).
On a positive note, Georgia Tech did go 12 of 30 from beyond the arc in the win over Lamar, so perhaps that early confidence will help improve things a little quicker in that area.
Game Outlook
- Spread: Tennessee – 16
- Over/Under: 139.5
- KenPom Projection: Tennessee, 89 percent chance to win
- ESPN BPI Projection: Tennessee, 91.9 percent chance to win
Tennessee has shown no signs of slowing down and appears to be a team that fully believes that it can not only contend for another SEC championship, but for a national championship as well.
That’s concerning for a Georgia Tech team that lacks experience and go-to scorers on the roster.
Both teams want to play this game in the half court, and with the Vols’ effectiveness on defense, that could make scoring a real problem for the visitors.
Rick Barnes should once again have his team focused and prepared, and the Vols will have a great opportunity to showcase why they’re ranked in the top five in the nation.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 20-4
Game Prediction: Tennessee 78, Georgia Tech 61
11/13 Update No. 2: James Banks, a 6-8 transfer who played sparingly at Texas but will add size and shot-blocking abilities, has been granted a waiver from the NCAA and will be eligible to play for Georgia Tech in this game.
Transfer James Banks granted immediate eligibility to play at Georgia Tech in 2018-19.
Decatur, Ga., native joined Yellow Jackets in the summer after two years at Texas.https://t.co/tspBpNQ6mA pic.twitter.com/GnaXnL7qDZ— Georgia Tech Basketball (@GTMBB) November 13, 2018
11/13 Update: Tennessee guard Lamonte Turner, who averaged 10.9 points per game last season (including a 24-point performance against Georgia Tech) but has not played this season due to injury, will remain sidelined for this game.
Tennessee's Lamonte Turner (shoulder) will not play tonight against Georgia Tech, per Rick Barnes.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 13, 2018
For more SEC basketball coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.