Key Highlights
- Tennessee is set to play against South Carolina in a crucial game on March 3.
- The Vols are ranked #23/25 and have a strong record against the Gamecocks.
- Felix Okpara leads Tennessee in offensive rebounds with a 47-19 overall mark as a Vol.
- Ja’Kobi Gillespie has set program records with his eight-steal games this season.
Tennessee’s Road to the SEC Title
Tennessee (20-9, 10-6) is on track to clinch its fifth consecutive 11-plus SEC wins. The Vols have been dominant against South Carolina, winning seven of their last eight games by double-digit points.
Key Matchup
The matchup between Tennessee and South Carolina (12-17, 13-13) is a significant one in the SEC landscape. Since 2018, Tennessee has won 12 of their last 14 games against the Gamecocks.
Felix Okpara’s Dominance
One of the keys to Tennessee’s success is Felix Okpara, who has secured an astounding 22 straight jump-ball victories. His 70 jump-ball wins over the past three years are second among active players in the NCAA.
Offensive Rebounding Prowess
Tennessee leads the nation with a 45.4 offensive rebounding percentage, which is 6% ahead of Virginia and 2.8% ahead of Florida. This dominance has allowed them to secure at least 15 offensive rebounds in 24 games this season.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s Historic Steals
In his recent performances, Ja’Kobi Gillespie has set a program single-game record with eight steals against Oklahoma. He also had an incredible game against Alabama where he posted 26 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in just the first 18 minutes of play.
Program Record-Breaking Performances
Gillespie’s performance is not just a one-time occurrence; his eight-steal games this season tie him with only three other SEC players across history. His ability to control the game in multiple ways makes him a formidable player for Tennessee.
Upcoming Game Analysis
Tennessee will face South Carolina on Tuesday, March 3 at Colonial Life Arena. The Vols are looking to secure their fifth straight victory against the Gamecocks and maintain their hold over the SEC title race.
You might think this is new, but… Tennessee has a proven track record of success against South Carolina. This game could be a defining moment for Rick Barnes and his team as they aim to clinch another season of dominance in the conference.
