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Kansas vs Tennessee: 2022 Battle 4 Atlantis game preview, TV schedule

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 24, 2022; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Tennessee Volunteers forward Julian Phillips (2) reacts after scoring during the first half against the USC Trojans at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2022; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Tennessee Volunteers forward Julian Phillips (2) reacts after scoring during the first half against the USC Trojans at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s Kansas and Tennessee facing off with the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament on the line. Who will win the game on Friday evening?

TV schedule: Friday, November 25th, 7:00 pm ET. ESPN

Arena: Imperial Arena in Nassau, Bahamas

Heading into the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament, there were two ranked teams that on paper, were the favorites to get to the finals in the Kansas Jayhawks and Tennessee Volunteers. And if you’re a fan of top-25 battles, you’ll that since both have advanced to the finals. But the paths to get here were anything but easy.

Kansas (6-0) had a hard fight against NC State in the quarterfinals but was able to prevail, 80-74, led by 25 points from Gradey Dick and double-doubles from both Jalen Wilson and Kevin McCullar. But the game against Wisconsin needed an extra five minutes after the Jayhawks blew a double-digit second-half lead.

It took a last-second putback by guard Bobby Pettiford to give Kansas the thrilling 69-68 win to remain unbeaten. Wilson had an All-American performance with 29 points and 14 rebounds to lead the way, while McCullar had his best game in a Jayhawks uniform, with 18 points and nine rebounds.

Tennessee (4-1) was in a close game at halftime against Butler in the quarterfinals until they ran them off the court in the final 20 minutes for a 71-46 win. Santiago Vescovi had 13 points in the game, one of seven players with at least six points.

But like the Jayhawks, the Vols needed extra time to put away USC in the semifinals. The defense limited the Trojans to just four points in overtime en route to a 73-66 win. It was a huge game for freshman Julian Phillips, scoring a season-high 25 points on 7/13 shooting.

It’s important to note that starting wing Josiah Jordan-James has been out for the Battle 4 Atlantis due to an injury. It’s doubtful that he’ll play for Tennesee in Friday’s game and that’s a big blow considering the matchup. He’s a 6’6 veteran guard that can play and guard four positions and would be a perfect piece against a small Jayhawks lineup. Jordan-James is a good defender and another scorer and this now puts more pressure on Phillips to outduel Dick in a battle of freshmen.

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Had Jordan-James been healthy for the game, I would’ve picked Tennesee to win. Instead, I’ll go with Kansas in what should be a defensive slugfest.

Prediction: Kansas 64, Tennessee 60

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