Tennessee vs. Purdue prediction: Our NCAA tournament game breakdown
March 28, 2019 at 12:33AM
Tennessee barely avoided a historic collapse in the second round against Iowa, winning in overtime after leading by 21 points at halftime. Purdue won its first two games by double digits. The Boilermakers are in the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season but have not gone farther than this since 2000. The Vols have advanced past the Sweet 16 only once in program history, 2010.
Matchup to watch: Carsen Edwards vs. Tennessee's three-point defense. The Vols have allowed 47 made threes in their past four games, including 15 to Colgate in the first round. They are vulnerable out there, and threes are Edwards' specialty. He ranked sixth nationally with 120 made three-pointers.
X factor: Tennessee point guard Jordan Bone. He's not the Vols' most heralded player, but he pushes the tempo. Transition defense will be important for Purdue.
Three stars to watch
1. Carsen Edwards, Purdue: Junior guard averages 23.6 points per game.
2. Grant Williams, Tennessee: Two-time SEC Player of the Year is a force inside.
3. Matt Haarms, Purdue: 7-3 center led Big Ten in field-goal percentage and blocks.
Chip's prediction
Tennessee wins 78-74. Final minutes will decide it.
Chip Scoggins
about the writer
Minnesotans Maddie Dahlien and Clare Gagne helped the 21-time NCAA champion Tar Heels end the Gophers’ season.
