By: Jacob Cullum
College basketball is finally starting to heat up and we are being graced with marquee matchups on a weekly basis. The Tennessee Volunteers, who have lost their last two matchups, come into this game with a chip on their shoulder.
Jacob Previews Carolina vs Tennessee
The Volunteers’ last two losses have come at the hands of the two top programs in the NCAA during their time playing in the Allstate Maui Invitational. Facing off against #2 Purdue on 11/21, Purdue managed to squeak out a victory 67-71. The following night, #1 Kansas powered through a competitive 69-60 win. Having a week to rest, Tennessee looks to come back strong tonight against #17 North Carolina tonight in the ACC/SEC Challenge at 7:15 tonight.
North Carolina comes into this matchup at 5-1 after beating #20 Arkansas on 11/24 by double digits. However, the game before, UNC fell to unranked Villanova in overtime the night before (11/23). Being led by standouts RJ Davis and Armando Bacot, North Carolina North Carolina has proven to pass the eye-test through their first 6 games. Although the loss to Villanova hurt them in terms of rankings, UNC is still in a prime position to make a run in the ACC. A win versus #10 Tennessee may notch them a spot in the top 15.
Tennessee Senior Dalton Knecht has had an outstanding beginning to this season averaging17.5 PPG, 4.7 REB, and 1.7 AST on 45% shooting. Tennessee has depth and balance with 6 players averaging at least 6 PPG. Head coach Rick Barnes has had the luxury of being able to rely on much of his roster to step up and score. Looking ahead into the month of December, the Volunteers will have a lighter schedule with only one team ranked as of today. This makes the game tonight much more important as Tennessee has a chance to solidify themselves as a top-tier program throughout the entire end of the year if they play up to par.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe ACC/SEC Challenge is being presented by Continental Tires and will be played in Chapel Hill. The homecourt advantage for the Tarheels may be vital to this matchup. Tip off is set for 7:15.
