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Tennessee Basketball: 3 keys for the game against Memphis

By Jason Burgess

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 9: Yves Pons #35 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives past JaKeenan Gant #23 of the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first half of the game between the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on November 9, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 9: Yves Pons #35 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives past JaKeenan Gant #23 of the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first half of the game between the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on November 9, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

2. The Vols should also be aggressive on offense

The second key for Tennessee goes in conjunction with the first. While they should be patient on offense they should also be as aggressive as they can in an effort to Memphis into foul trouble. The Tigers have a tendency so far this season to draw the ire and whistles of the officials, being whistled for 21 fouls per game, and even with their 68% from the free throw line, this is another aspect of Memphis’ defensive game that they can exploit.

The 68% is a bit misleading as Williams has attempted 56 free throws and has made 80% of them while the other three double-digit scorers, Schofield, and junior guards Jordan Bone and Lamonte Turner have combined to shoot just 46, making 69% of them. The remainder of the roster has attempted 71 shots from the charity stripe making just 42 of them, bringing the team percentage down.

If the top four scorers, who have a 75% free throw percentage can get to the line often it will also diminish the Tigers’ rotation, especially the frontcourt, as Kyvon Davenport is the only Memphis player 6-8 or taller that averages over 20 minutes per game. So, aggressive patience will serve Tennessee well in this one.

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