3 bold predictions for Texas vs. Tennessee in Round of 32

Texas and Tennessee combine for under 140 total points

Texas's best hope against a solid two-way team that is among the best in college hoops this season in Tennessee could be either to turn this game into a rock fight or limit the looks that star senior wing Dalton Knecht gets offensively.

Knecht is one of the best scorers in the power conferences this season. He's averaging well over 20 points per game on better than 46 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Knecht has scored at least 20 points in over half of Tennessee's games this season.

Knecht's All-American caliber performances this season are the biggest reason why the Vols' offense is one of the most improved in the SEC during the 2023-24 campaign. Tennessee is a legitimately good three-point shooting team this season that can also effectively distribute the ball and find open cutters for high-percentage looks and easy buckets.

If the Longhorns can turn this game into a rock fight, as they did in the double-digit win against Colorado State in the Round of 64, that could keep them within striking distance of the Vols late in the second half.

Between experienced scorers, such as Disu, Abmas, and junior guard Tyrese Hunter, if Texas is in this game late they have the guys who can get the job done in clutch time to potentially upset Tennessee and advance to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year.

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