No. 6 Arizona Basketball has showdown vs No. 18 Tennessee

Up to No. 6 in the latest AP Top 25 ranking, Arizona Basketball (11-0, 1-0) travels to Knoxville to take on the No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers (8-2, 0-0). 

After another strong week of action from Arizona Basketball, the Wildcats are just one of five undefeated teams that remain in college basketball, and after a short break, the Cats return to action against No. 19 Tennessee in one of their more marquee matchups.

Fresh off big wins over Northern Colorado and Cal Baptist at home, Arizona should have one of their tougher challenges this season as they take on No. 19 Tennessee.

Coming into this one, Arizona is considered the slight underdog here, merely because of the significant travel the Wildcats will endure, as well as playing in a hostile environment.

Hopefully, head coach Tommy Lloyd will have his Cats ready to play as they look to continue their strong play and remain unbeaten on the year!

Getting to Know the details of Arizona Basketball’s opponent, the Tennessee Volunteers.

Team: Tennessee Volunteers

Conference: Southeastern Conference

2020-21 Record: Finishing the year with an 18-9 (10-7) record in 2020-21, the Volunteers ended their season with a heartbreaking, First Round NCAA Tournament loss to then No. 12 seeded Oregon State.

Head Coach: Rick Barnes enters his 7th season with the Volunteers, compiling a 131-75 (61-46) record, after previously serving as head coach at George Mason (1987-88), Providence (1989-1994), Clemson (1994-98), and Texas (1998-2015).

Overall, Rick has spent over 30 years coaching in College Basketball, compiling a 735–388 career record with several conference titles, coaching numerous College Basketball All-Americans, and appearing in 25 NCAA Tournaments, including a Final Four appearance.

Keys to the Game:

Defend the Three – Coming into this one, Tennessee shoots the three-ball fairly well, converting at 34.0 percent, while averaging 28.5 attempts per game which ranks No. 24 in the country.

On the flip side of that, Arizona is holding teams to just 31.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc, and this is factoring in the last three games in which the Wildcats have given up 35 three-pointers on 89 attempts (39.3 percent).

Arizona has to do a better job of closing out on those shooters and defending the three. Allowing Tennessee to get hot from beyond the arc is not a recipe for success.

Attack the Post – Tennessee is not as skilled or experienced as the Wildcats are in the post, and this is an advantage that Arizona should take advantage of. Whether it is rebounding, taking shots in the paint, or attacking the rim, this is a point of strength for the Wildcats, and exposing any of Tennessee’s weaknesses will be key to a win.

Lean on the Offense – Coming in, Tennessee has the No. 2 defense according to KenPom as they are holding teams to 42.7 percent shooting and just 57.9 points per game.

Overall, they are a well-coached and athletic group that sticks to their strengths, and this is a group that doesn’t make it easy for teams. Coming in, we imagine that they are going to give the Cats some fits; however, they also have never faced an offense as talented as Arizona’s.

If the Wildcats can stay on the attack and play to their offensive strengths, I think Arizona will be able to come away with the win here.

Arizona Basketball versus Tennessee Volunteers game information and details:

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021

Time: 5:00 P.M. MST / 4:00 P.M. PST

Location: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, Tenn. (21,678)

Spread: +2.0 Arizona (Also, don’t forget to use WynnBet to enhance your overall betting experience)

Television: ESPN2

Radio: 107.5 FM (Tucson) / 1290AM (Tucson) | Arizona IMG Sports Network

Team Records:

No. 6 Arizona Wildcats (11-0, 1-0): Still rolling after defeating Northern Colorado and Cal Baptist at home, the Wildcats will have one of their toughest challenges yet as they take on No. 19 Tennessee on the road.

No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers (8-2, 0-0): Entering this game fresh off a game cancellation against Memphis, the Volunteers return home to take on the visiting, No. 6 Wildcats.

Head-to-Head Record (since 1949-50): Since 1949-50, Arizona has not faced Tennessee often as the Wildcats are just 1-3 against the Volunteers with their first matchup dating back to 1956.

Last Meeting vs. Arizona: The Wildcats last played the Volunteers in 1998 when Arizona was ranked No. 18 in the country and came away with a 73-72 win on a neutral site.

My Prediction: Arizona 83 Tennessee 77 – After earning dominant wins over Northern Colorado and Cal Baptist at home, Arizona will have another tough challenge on their hands as they take on No. 19 Tennessee. While difficult, I think the Wildcats get it done on the road as they grind this one out for a win, plus, Coach Barnes does not fair well against Arizona in his career.