Tennessee men vs. Wake Forest at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville
Time: Noon
TV/radio: ESPN2/102.3 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
TENNESSEE (9-1)
Projected starters: F Kyle Alexander (6-11, 9.6); G Jordan Bone (6-3, 13.7); G Yves Pons (6-6, 4.5); F Admiral Schofield (6-6, 19.0); F Grant Williams (6-7, 19.4).
Key reserves: G Jordan Bowden (6-5, 8.4); F John Fulkerson (6-9, 4.1).
WAKE FOREST (6-3)
Projected starters: G Chaundee Brown (6-5, 10.6); G Brandon Childress (6-0, 16.8); F Jaylen Hoard (6-8, 15.6); G Torry Johnson (6-3, 6.0); C Ikenna Smart (6-10, 2.3).
Key reserves: F Isaiah Mucius (6-8, 8.9); G Sharone Wright Jr. (6-5, 7.6).
DEMON DEACONS REPORT
Since a slow start to the season that included a loss at home to Houston Baptist, the Demon Deacons have won four straight games, with the most recent a 67-63 win Monday night against Davidson (8-3). This will be only their second true road game this season, with the first a 10-point loss at Richmond on Dec. 1. Childress leads the offense and is the biggest 3-point threat, while Hoard does most of his work inside but can step outside and hit the 3.
KEY MATCHUP
The Volunteers have had some bouts with sloppiness this season against teams that pressure the ball. Although Wake Forest will play for 94 feet, the Demon Deacons have forced just more than 11 turnovers per game on average, suggesting “token” pressure. Coming off consecutive tough games against Gonzaga and Memphis and a tougher-than-expected game against Samford, the Vols could use a solid performance going into their upcoming six-day break from competition. A “name” win against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent could provide that.