No. 6 Tennessee will look to regroup from its first loss of the season when it hosts OVC foe Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday night.
The Vols came up just short in an 87-81 overtime loss to Kansas last Friday in the NIT Season Tip-Off championship game.
Meanwhile, the Colonels moved to 3-3 on the season with a 100-81 victory over Kennesaw State back on Nov. 19.
Let’s run through what to watch for in this game.
Game Details
- No. 6 Tennessee (4-1) vs. Eastern Kentucky (3-3)
- Location: Thompson-Boling Arena – Knoxville, TN
- Game Date: Nov. 28
- Game Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
- Watch: SEC Network
Players to Watch
Grant Williams (Tennessee)
The complexion of the Kansas game certainly changed when Williams fouled out prior to overtime, but he still managed to contribute 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
He is now averaging 21.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on the year while shooting 59.7 percent from the floor.
Nick Mayo (Eastern Kentucky)
Speaking of players that are making a huge impact, Mayo is off to a fast start by averaging 25.0 points and 9.2 rebounds through six games.
The 6-9 senior ranked third in the OVC in scoring last season (18.0 ppg) and figures to be one of the frontrunners for conference player of the year.
Key Stats
Tennessee holds the edge statistically in a lot of important categories, which is to be expected for a team that ranks in the top 10 nationally.
The Vols are 11th in defensive efficiency and 14th in offensive efficiency while the Colonels rank 239th on the offensive side and 292nd on defense.
Eastern Kentucky has also struggled to shoot high percentages this season, as it sits at 273rd nationally in effective field-goal percentage (46.8 percent) and 285th nationally in 3-point field-goal percentage (29.8 percent).
However, one area that the Colonels have thrived in is steals, where they are averaging 9.0 per game (23rd nationally).
And it’s also worth noting that Eastern Kentucky is playing a fast style right now, as it ranks fifth in adjusted tempo and seventh in average offensive possession length (14.1 seconds).
Game Outlook
- Spread: Tennessee -28
- Over/Under: 161
- KenPom Projection: Tennessee, 99 percent chance to win
- ESPN BPI Projection: Tennessee, 97.4 percent chance to win
The loss to Kansas was likely a little deflating for the Vols since they had their chances to hold on for the victory.
But this team’s mental toughness has been one of its biggest strengths over the past few seasons, and we should see that on display in this matchup.
Mayo is a dynamic player that will challenge Rick Barnes’ team in many different ways, but there may not be enough depth around him to be able to pose a serious challenge.
The Vols should get back on track in a big way.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 65-14
Game Prediction: Tennessee 89, Eastern Kentucky 64
For more SEC basketball coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.