Coppin State Preview

The Coppin State Eagles will come into Thompson Boling Arena on Sunday afternoon with a 0-2 record after losing to both Virginia Tech and Hawai'i by an average of 30.5 points. The Eagles are led by #22 Tywain McKee, a 6'2" Jr. PG out of Philly. McKee has led the Eagles with an average of 16 points this season. The Eagles are led on the boards by #40 Robert Pressey, a 6'7" Jr. PF out of Waldorf, MD with 6.5 a game. After McKee, the Eagles don't pack much of a punch. No Eagle rises over 6'7" and will give Tennessee it's first height advantage of the season. The Eagles have struggled to score over their first two games, averaging just 55 points a game. #44 Ethan Kennedy is a 6'7" Fr. PF who has started the first two games. Joining him in the last game was fellow freshman #5 Ruben Britt, a 6'3" PG from Vorhees, NJ. The Eagles have struggled shooting the ball this season, shooting 35% form the field, 29% from 3 land, and 55% from the FT line. The Eagles have been outrebounded by an average of 15 so far this season, turned the ball over an average of 15 times, and given up an average of 25 assists per game.

Keys to the Game:

1) A blowout. If this game is close, then UT is really struggling. UT should be able to force a lot of turnovers. McKee, the Eagles leading scorer, is averaging 5.5 TO's per game. If the Vols can put the pressure on the Eagles, then this game should end quickly.

2) Scrimmage. This is basically a scrimmage. I look for Pearl to try some different things in this game. Bossibly try some different things out in getting ready for the Butler game.

3) Minutes for everybody. I look for the whole bench to get some PT in this game. Everyone should get off the bench for this game. Also, look for some of the regulars to get lots of rest. Hopefully, the freshman can get some more exposure to the college game and grow some.

4) NIT NY. I'm already looking forward to the Vols playing Butler in New York on Wednesday. The tip off is set to occur at 7:00. Hopefully, both Lofton and JaJuan Smith can have good days at Madison Square Garden. Pearl will definitely have the scouting report on Butler, and the same goes for Butler. The difference will be in the players that Pearl now has. Hopefully, the Vols will be able to take down Butler and face the TarHeels or Zags on Friday.

Projected Starting Lineups:

Coppin State

PG - 6'2" #22 Tywain McKee
SG - 6'3" #5 Ruben Britt
SF - 6'6" #32 Julian Conyers
PF - 6'7" # 44 Ethan Kennedy
C - 6'7" # 34 Brian Chesnut

Tennessee

PG – 6’2” #12 Ramar Smith
SG – 6’2” #5 Chris Lofton
SF – 6’2” #2 JaJuan Smith
PF – 6’4” #23 Dane Bradshaw
C – 6’7” #32 Duke Crews