Tennessee baskets faces Norfolk State on Tuesday night in its final non conference test of the regular season before opening SEC play later this week.
The Vols are looking to cap off the non conference slate with a victory to improve to 10-3 on the season.
Here’s everything to know about the matchup.
Norfolk State (last game starters)
Tennessee:
Norfolk State:
Stat Leaders
Tennessee:
Points: Dalton Knecht — 15.7 PPG, 45.5 FG%, 37.7 3PT%
Rebounds: Josiah-Jordan James — 7 RPG, 5.5 DRPG, 1.5 ORPG
Assists: Zakai Zeigler — 4.6 APG, 2.2 TOPG, 25.8 MPG
Norfolk State:
Points: Jamarii Thomas — 18 PPG, 43.2 FG%, 40.7 3PT%
Rebounds: Jaylani Darden — 5.5 RPG, 3.9 DRPG, 1.7 ORPG
Assists: Jamarri Thomas — 4.1 APG, 2.1 TOPG, 29.6 MPG
Last Five Games
Tennessee:
- 65-46 win versus Tarleton State
- 79-70 win over North Carolina State (San Antonio)
- 74-56 win versus Georgia Southern
- 86-79 win versus Illinois
- 87-66 win versus George Mason
Norfolk State:
- 84-65 win versus South Dakota State
- 67-65 loss at UTEP
- 108-52 win versus Southern Virginia
- 74-58 loss at Hoftra
- 84-78 loss at Stoney Brook
Prediction
After a 12-day hiatus, Tennessee basketball returns to the court on Tuesday night when they face Norfolk State in its final tuneup for SEC play. After such a long break, sluggish and sloppy play would be no surprise, at least early in the game. And that makes having this game on the schedule so imperative as things kick up another notch on Saturday when they host unbeaten Ole Miss.
But outside of just getting back into the groove of things, the main storyline I’m watching for is what will the Vols get from Dalton Knecht? The Northern Colorado transfer was fantastic in the first nine games of the season but struggled the last three times out. Getting him back on track in this one before SEC play begins feels imperative.
Norfolk State has struggled on the glass this season and that gives Tennessee a chance to dominate this game even if they don’t shoot the ball extremely well. That gives me confidence that Tennessee will take care of business in convincing fashion.
Tennessee 84, Norfolk State 56
