Tennessee Volunteers @ South Carolina Gamecocks Game Preview

The Volunteers will be looking to snap a two game losing streak when they take on South Carolina on Sunday in Columbia. Tennessee has not lost to the Gamecocks since a 81-64 loss at South Carolina in 2007.

Tennessee has been averaging 10 turnovers a game in conference wins and 15 turnovers in conference losses. Taking care of the ball has been the Vol’s biggest issue this season.  Tennessee is expected to get junior point guard Trae Golden back sunday.  Golden has missed the past two games after straining his hamstring against Vanderbilt. Golden had lost his starting job to Jordan McRae due to poor ball handling, but his absence the last two games was apparent for the Vols.

Sophomore guard Brandon Lopez saw extended action against Arkansas, playing 17 minutes, but only played 4 minutes against Georgia.  Golden’s return will take some of the pressure off McRae, who played 37 minutes against Georgia.

Jarnell Stokes will look to continue his strong play as of late. Stokes is averaging a double-double his last 6 games, averaging 15 points and 11 rebounds a game. The sophomore forward has struggled to find consistency all season, but the past few weeks Stokes has looked much more like the player head coach Cuonzo Martin has expected him to be this season.

Tennessee (11-10, 3-6 SEC) will look to avoid falling to the .500 mark for the first time this season. South Carolina (12-10, 2-7 SEC) is attempting to break a three game losing streak. This is the only meeting between Tennessee and South Carolina this sesaon.  Tip off is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST and can be seen on the Fox Sports Network.