Busting Brackets
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Tennessee Basketball: 2018-19 keys for the Vols at Kentucky

By Tristan Freeman

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 09: Lamonte Turner #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates against the Florida Gators at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 09, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 09: Lamonte Turner #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates against the Florida Gators at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 09, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Tennessee outplays Kentucky on the perimeter

The Vols’ frontcourt has been highly regarded since last season but the elevation to being the No. 1 team in the country coincides with the quality play from the backcourt. Originally thought as a potential weakness, Jordan Bone has quietly become one of the best point guards in the country.

The junior guard is tops in the SEC is assists at 6.5 per game and has been named a finalist for the 2019 Bob Cousy Award. But he’s more than a passer, averaging 13.2 ppg on the season on 46% shooting from the field. He, Lamonte Turner, and Jordan Bowden combines to produce 37.1 ppg, 8.8 rpg, and 12.5 apg and creates arguably the most balance offense in all of college basketball.

They’ll be taking on Kentucky’s freshmen trio of Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley, and Tyler Herro. Hagans is the top passer at 4.3 apg while Herro is the only double-digit scorer at 14 ppg. He’s also the only three-point threat from the perimeter while the other two tend to drive and distribute.

The advantages all point to Tennessee in the battle of the guards but these Wildcats aren’t five-star recruits for no reason. If Herro goes off from deep, it could be the neutralizer for anything the Vols do. In a high-profile game, the veteran guards for Tennessee should be ready, even on the road. Them winning the overall matchup will be crucial in preventing he upset.

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