Tennessee handles Syracuse, prepares for Purdue

The stage is set for an elite-8 level matchup in Maui tomorrow. The Vols were able to take care of business against the Syracuse Orange by a score of 73-56, and Purdue was able to fend off Gonzaga for a 73-63 victory. Both teams were able to overcome early deficits, and both teams showcased their depth in the 2nd half.

Tennessee and Purdue certainly have a history with each other as the Vols beat the Boilermakers in the Battle 4 Atlantis in 2017, and the Boilermakers eliminated the Vols in the Sweet 16 in 2019. Both of these games came down to the wire, and tomorrow night in Maui I expect more of the same. Dalton Knecht and Zach Edey are the two big names in this matchup. Knecht can score from anywhere, and Edey is an undeniable force down low.

The Vols might have to rely on two freshmen to help in slowing down Edey in the paint, as Tobe Awaka left the Vols’ matchup with Syracuse early with an apparent ankle injury. Aidoo will clearly be the main man in guarding Edey, but if Awaka is out against Purdue J.P. Estrella and Cade Phillips will need to grow up in a hurry.

The reason I lean towards the Vols in this matchup, however, is because Zach Edey is average at best on the defensive end. If the Vols can get him on the perimeter guarding pick and rolls I think Aidoo will be an alley-oop threat all game. Furthermore, Zach Edey isn’t known for his quickness. The Vol defense is terrific at forcing their opponents into turnovers, and if Edey is forced to run up and down the court all game trying to catch up in transition he will get tired quickly.

This game will be a battle and an excellent early-season test for both teams. That’s the reason it’s an 8 p.m. tip on ESPN. The entire College Basketball world will have their eyes on this one, and the Vols will have a chance to announce themselves as contenders before the calendar flips to December.