On Friday night, Tennessee basketball and Iowa State will meet in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in a fight to reach the Elite Eight. Heading into the matchup, there’s a massive storyline that’s worth nothing, though. Cyclones star forward Joshua Jefferson suffered an ankle injury in the Round of 64 and is questionable to return.
On Wednesday, Iowa State head coach TJ Otzelberger met with the media and was asked for an update. He said that Jefferson would be a game-time decision to play against the Vols.
Jefferson, an AP Second-Team All-American, is averaging 16.4 points per game on 47.1% shooting from the field and 34.5% on 3-pointers. He is also contributing 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest.
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Heading into the matchup, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes was asked about the preparation for the game with Jefferson’s status up in the air. He said they have to prepare as if he’s playing.
“You always do that, and you have to because who knows?” Barnes said. “I mean, we don’t know that. And I’m sure they would do the same thing if Nate Ament was still on that questionable list. But they’re a good team. They wouldn’t be where they are, obviously, with just one guy there. They’re such a well-coached, well-balanced team. And they’ll be, obviously, they’re going to be ready to play.”
Without Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey stepped up against Kentucky in the Round of 32. He scored 26 points on 8-for-15 shooting from the field and 3-for-6 on threes. He also added 10 rebounds, three assists and five steals in 37 minutes.
