Looking for physical style of the Volunteers to clamp down on the Ramblers. Tennessee has been outstanding all season long and the job that Rick Barnes has done is simply masterful. The perimeter defense is ranked 20th in the country and overall defensive shooting percentage is 25th against a tough SEC schedule. Loyola has been the cream of the crop of the Missouri Valley Conference which quite frankly was the worst I've seen it in the last 40 years.
The Ramblers shoot it over 50% from the floor but that's vs. weak MVC competition. Schofield, Williams & Alexander should limit second shot opportunities and clear the defensive glass to keep Loyola at arms length. I expect a close game for awhile and then Tennessee to pull away and head to the Sweet 16. It's the early game in Dallas and the biggest crowd contingency will be from Texas Tech and will probably be pulling for the Ramblers. Tennessee needs to take care of the ball and use solid shot selection. The Vols had an easy win by 26 points over Wright State in their opener while Donte Ingram's buzzer beating three gave Loyola it's first Tournament win as they edged Miami 64-62 in dramatic fashion. Unless Tennessee shoots below 40% as a team they should wear down the Ramblers and get a double digit win.