Howell in UT’s starting lineup for NCAA opener

The pregame starting lineups released to the media before the University of Tennessee’s Friday’s first-round NCAA tournament game have Jordan Howell listed at point guard.

The No. 2 seed Volunteers (29-4) will play No. 15 seed American University (21-11) at 12:15 p.m. at the BJCC Arena.

Howell, a senior from Auburn, Ala., has come off the bench since midway through the season except UT’s senior night victory over South Carolina. Sophomore point guard Ramar Smith lost his starting spot to Howell early this season but won it back in Southeastern Conference play.

Howell hasn’t score in double-digits since Dec. 4, when he had 12 points against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Normally an accurate 3-point shooter, Howell is 3-for-31 from behind the arc in UT’s past 12 games.

Read www.timesfreepress.com throughout the day and Saturday’s print edition for more information.

E-mail Wes Rucker at wrucker@timesfreepress.com