RedHawks Ready For Volunteer Challenge: All About Tempo

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 Battle for the Glass

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.

3-Point Volatility vs. Elite Perimeter Defense

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.

Tempo and Efficiency

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