Tennessee - American Preview

East- Round One
Tennessee Volunteers (2) Vs. American University Eagles (15)
Friday, March 21 @ 12:15 pm

The sixth ranked Volunteers of Tennessee (14- 2 SEC, 29- 4 overall) easily rambled through their conference, losing only to Kentucky and Vandy in the regular season and Arkansas in the SEC Tournament Finals.

Much of the offensive thrust for this team comes from senior guards Chris Lofton (16.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG) and JaJuan Smith (14.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.3 APG). Forward Tyler Smith (13.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.5 APG), a sophomore, has had a huge impact on this team. Tyler Smith, a true clutch player, can simply do it all. His field goal percentage is .545 and he hits threes at the rate of .400. Additionally Lofton and JaJuan Smith are accurate from downtown 40% and 38% of the time respectively. On defense, the three average 4.4 SPG.

The American University Eagles (10- 4 Patriot League, 21- 11 overall) are flying to a place they’ve never been before—the NCAA Tournament. For this team to make it past Tennessee, they’ll need huge games from guards Garrison Carr (18.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG) and Derrick Mercer (12.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.1 APG). American University plays a slow, ball control game and they hit threes with ease, connecting on 41% of their long shots. Carr hits 45% of his shots beyond the line, while Mercer connects on 44%. Additionally, they’re sound at the foul line with the team hitting 74% of the time.

Of course, one huge question is how will the Eagles defend against the Volunteers? American University’s squad is small and much slower than the guys from Tennessee. It will be extremely difficult for the Eagles to keep up with their more athletic opponents. A blow out is certainly not out of the question.