Tennessee Volunteers vs Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Picks and Predictions December 23rd 2024

No. 1 Tennessee Aims to Stay Perfect Against Middle Tennessee

The highly ranked Tennessee aims to preserve its perfect record for the season as it faces off against in-state opponent Middle Tennessee on Monday evening in Knoxville. The Volunteers (11-0) are pursuing history, since a victory would equal the second-best beginning in school history, matching a 12-0 start from the 1922-23 season.

Tennessee’s Supremacy Up to This Point

The Volunteers have been truly impressive, securing victory in seven matches by over 20 points. Their defensive strength has been the cornerstone of their achievements, positioning them first in field-goal percentage defense (33.9%) and second in scoring defense (55.9 points per game). On the offensive side, Tennessee’s average margin of victory of 25.2 points ranks as the second highest in the nation.

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The Volunteers demonstrated their defensive superiority in an 84-36 rout of Western Carolina last Tuesday. Tennessee held the Catamounts to 13.5% shooting in the first half, allowing no two-point field goals. Western Carolina finished the game shooting just 21.9% from the field.

“I don’t know if I’ve coached in a game where (the opponent) didn’t score a two-point bucket in the first half,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. “Our talent was a major factor in the game.”

Chaz Lanier, a transfer from North Florida, has been a revelation for Tennessee, leading the team in scoring at 18.9 points per game and hitting 47.1% of his 3-point attempts. Point guard Zakai Zeigler has struggled offensively, shooting 38.2%, but his defensive tenacity and 7.6 assists per game have been critical for the Volunteers.

Middle Tennessee’s Strong Defensive Identity

Middle Tennessee (9-3) enters the game on a high note, having won four of its last five games, including a 67-65 victory over Lipscomb on Thursday. The Blue Raiders boast a stifling perimeter defense, limiting opponents to 24.4% shooting from beyond the arc, tying Tennessee for the nation’s best mark.

Jestin Porter tops the Blue Raiders in scoring with an average of 15.8 points per game and has hit 31 three-pointers this season. Essam Mostafa, who recorded his seventh double-double of the season against Lipscomb with 12 points and 10 rebounds, serves as the team’s anchor in the paint. He records an average of 13.2 points and 8.9 rebounds each game.

“We’ve been analyzing a lot of footage and we’ve all focused in during these recent games,” Porter stated regarding his team’s recent achievements.

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Crucial Contest

Tennessee’s ability to protect the perimeter and maintain defensive pressure is anticipated to encounter a challenge from Middle Tennessee’s calculated approach. Both squads rank among the top in the country for defending the 3-point line, making the battle for interior play and rebounds potentially crucial.

Past Events

Tennessee leads the all-time series with a record of 9-2, yet Middle Tennessee’s most recent victory was quite unforgettable. The Blue Raiders achieved an impressive comeback win by scoring the last 15 points, ending with a 71-64 victory in the 2012 NIT second round held in Knoxville.

Although Middle Tennessee will be keen to achieve that success again, Tennessee’s depth and strong defense position the Volunteers as clear favorites to stay undefeated.