Midwest Region: No. 7 Texas vs. No. 2 Tennessee
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Naturally, the committee set it up so Rick Barnes would coach against his former team. Texas smothered Colorado State in the first round — holding the Rams to only 11 points in the first half. Texas boasts a solid eight-man rotation led by NCAA Tournament vet Max Abmas and rugged post Dylan Disu. Tennessee has Dalton Knecht — one of the country’s most dynamic wings.
There’s a real chance explosive athlete Dillon Mitchell will be matched up with him on the defensive end. Both teams essentially play the ‘four out/one in’ scheme, and the Longhorns will hope that their combination of length and athletic ability can disrupt the talented scorer. Texas shot only 1-of-14 from three in the win over Colorado State. On the year, Tennessee is allowing opponents to shoot only 31 percent from behind the arc. Texas has to hit some threes to soften the Vols’ solid defense. If they don’t, Tennessee will pack the paint, hindering Mitchell and Disu’s effectiveness.
SEC Defensive Player of the Year Zakai Zeigler will take the challenge in defending Abmas. All-SEC First Team defender Jonas Aidoo also can defend Disu straight up if need be. We expect Knecht to put pressure on Texas by trying to manufacture points at the free-throw line. Defensively, Tennessee matches up well with Texas. While Barnes has had some issues getting to the Sweet 16 historically, the Vols will break through there.
Prediction: Tennessee
