On Sunday afternoon, Tennessee baseball got a brilliant performance from starting pitcher Evan Blanco to snag the series vs. Missouri. In the 7-1 win, the lefty tossed 7.2 innings while allowing just four hits and one run and striking out five batters.
Now, his attention turns to tonight’s Vols basketball game. It’ll be an interesting one for him and UT teammate Henry Ford, as well. Both players began their careers at Virginia before transferring to Rocky Top this past offseason. Now, their new school is meeting their old school for a trip to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
Blanco revealed his prediction for the game in the bracket he filled out ahead of March Madness. Even though he admitted to being a Hoos basketball fan in the past, he’s turned the page to cheering on Rick Barnes’ Vols program.
“In my bracket, I have Tennessee winning,” Blanco said. “And I was kind of scratching my head, too, because, I mean, I was a Virginia Hoops fan, but, you know, I’ve definitely taken over the Vols Hoops team now. So I’m fired up for that game. I’m definitely going to watch it, but I picked Tennessee.”
Big punchout for Blanco to strand a runner in scoring position!
📺 https://t.co/5iFQMrhVC6 #GBO🍊 // #OTH pic.twitter.com/lKRM5Sqxpn
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) March 22, 2026
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Blanco has been hearing it about the matchup from some friends over in Charlottesville, as well. They’ve hurled some friendly trash talk his way, but he’s confident in Tennessee.
“A few of my friends from Virginia have texted me saying like, ‘Oh, dude, you’re destined to lose today,'” Blanco said. “I’m like, ‘Hey, like it’s whatever.’ I trust the Vols.”
Tip-off is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. ET and will air on TNT from Philadelphia. The winner between 6-seed UT and 3-seed UVA will match up with the winner between 2-seed Iowa State and 7-seed Kentucky next week in the Sweet 16.
More to follow: Tennessee Sports Betting
