PHILADELPHIA — Now, comes an even bigger test on an even bigger stage for the Miami RedHawks.
The No. 11 Midwest seed RedHawks and No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers meet in a first-round clash at the Xfinity Mobile Arena here in the City of Brotherly Love.
After Miami managed to battle to a draw on the glass with the bigger SMU Mustangs on Wednesday, the trick here will be whether the can sink 16 threes (or more) against a bigger, even more physical team in Tennessee.
The most critical factor in this matchup is the disparity in rebounding. Tennessee enters as the nation’s premier offensive rebounding team, ranking No. 1 in offensive rebounding percentage (45.1%). Conversely, Miami has struggled significantly on the interior, ranking 330th nationally in the same category. For the RedHawks to pull an upset, they must find a way to mitigate second-chance opportunities for Tennessee’s physical frontline, which features Felix Okpara and Jaylen Carey. Miami did draw even with SMU on the glass (35-35) on Wednesday.
Miami’s path to victory relies on its “3 is greater than 2” philosophy. In their First Four victory over SMU, the RedHawks set a record with 16 made three-pointers. However, Tennessee boasts one of the toughest perimeter defenses in the country, ranking No. 1 in the SEC by holding opponents to just 30.6% from deep. If Miami’s shooters, led by Eian Elmer and Peter Suder, face a cold night against the Vols’ length, their offense may stall.
The two teams play at vastly different speeds. Miami prefers a faster, more open game, while Tennessee often forces a “slow boxing match” style, ranking 305th in tempo.
Miami’s Key: Maintain their efficiency; they rank 2nd in the nation in 2-point percentage (61.4%) and take care of the ball, turning it over on just 14.2% of possessions.
Tennessee’s Key: Lean on Ja’Kobi Gillespie (18.0 ppg) and Nate Ament (17.5 ppg) to exploit Miami’s lack of size and force them into half-court sets where the Vols’ physicality can dominate.
Matchup Information
Tip-off Time 4:25 p.m. ET
TV Channel TBS
Venue Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Betting Line Tennessee -11.5 to -12.5
Prediction:
The train doesn’t stop in Philly. Peter Suder, after just seven points Wednesday, lights it up. Look for Trey Perry to play a big role in Miami’s tempo on offense, along with Luke Skaljac.
Miami 70
Tennessee 65
