Tennessee Basketball’s Sweet 16 Hopes with Limited Nate Ament: Prediction vs Virginia

Philadelphia will host a key second-round NCAA Tournament matchup on March 22. The No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (23-11) meet No. 3 Virginia (30-5) at Xfinity Mobile Arena at 6:10 p.m. ET on TNT.

Paths to the game

Virginia survived a scare in its first-round game. Wright State led late before the Cavaliers rallied for an 82-73 victory.

Tennessee advanced with a 78-56 win over Miami (Ohio). The Vols built a large lead early and closed out the RedHawks comfortably.

Virginia’s finish against Wright State

The Raiders led by three with about 5:32 left. Virginia’s usual scorers struggled for much of the game.

• Thijs De Ridder and Malik Thomas combined for 22 points.
• They shot roughly 38% from the field.
• Senior guard Jacari White scored a season-high 26 points.
• White hit 10-of-12 from the floor, including 6-of-8 from three.

Tennessee’s injury question and performance

All-SEC freshman forward Nate Ament was scoreless in the first round. He went 0-for-3 and played sparingly in the second half.

Ament is recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered on Feb. 24 against Missouri. He says he expects to play against Virginia and through the tournament.

Key factors and numbers

Tennessee shot well against Miami (Ohio). The Vols hit 53% of their field goals and 45% from three.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie led Tennessee’s offense and helped build a 20-point cushion. The Vols’ defense remains a stabilizing force.

Implications for the Midwest Region

The winner will face either No. 2 Iowa State (28-7) or No. 7 Kentucky (22-13) in the Sweet 16. That matchup awaits in Chicago.

Analysis and prediction

Tennessee Basketball’s Sweet 16 Hopes hinge on several variables. Limited Nate Ament availability changes Tennessee’s offensive ceiling.

Virginia relies on strong defense. If Ament is not at full strength, Tennessee may struggle to match Virginia’s physical play.

Considering form and health, the safer pick is Virginia. Final score prediction: Virginia 71, Tennessee 66.

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