Virginia - Tennessee Preview

Tennessee Volunteers (5) Vs. Virginia Cavaliers (4)
Sunday, 3/18 @ 12:10
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Tennessee -2.5

The Tennessee Volunteers started the game out with a 3-point lead and never looked back, winning their first round contest against the Long Beach State 49ers by a score of 121- 86. The Cavaliers of Virginia were ahead by four points almost immediately in their first game and they too never looked back as they beat the University of Albany Great Danes 84- 57.

The Vols put on a shooting clinic hitting 43 of 73 (59%) from the field, 14 0f 27 (52%) from three-point land and 21 of 30 (70%) from the penalty stripe! Tennessee played sound defense, stealing the ball 11 times, blocking 4 shots and grabbing 41 rebounds,.

Four of the five starters scored in double digits, and off the bench freshman forward Duke Crews put up a double- double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Junior guard Chris Lofton led all scorers with 25 points and junior guard JaJuan Smith put in 24 points and took down 6 rebounds. Senior guard Dane Bradshaw was the court general with 11 assists. Ten different players scored for the Vols in their rout of the 49ers.

Virginia was also impressive from the field, putting in 30 of 56 (54%), 9 of 17 (53%) from downtown and 15 of 18 (83%) from the foul line. At one point they led by 30. The Cavs grabbed 41 rebounds

Senior guard J.R. Reynolds put in 28 points and took down 7 rebounds. He was 5 of 7 in threes. Junior guard Sean Singletary hit for 23 while clutching 6 balls. Each of the five starters had 5 rebounds or more. Singletary led in assists with 9. Sophomore swing Mamadi Diane had 10 points and 5 rebbies. Three bench players scored.

The Volunteers played like a well-oiled machine and racked up points quickly and easily. For the Cavaliers, it was less of a team effort with Reynolds and Singletary providing most of the offense. If Tennessee can control Reynolds and Singletary, they’ll force other Cavaliers to step-up. The Volunteers have a deeper bench and that may be a big advantage in the second round.

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