Tennessee basketball vs. Wright State: Get to know Vols NCAA Tournament opponent

By Ian McBride | Mar 14, 2018

KNOXVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 21: The Tennessee Volunteers bench reacts after a three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the first half of a game at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 21, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Tennessee basketball begins March Madness with a match-up against the Wright State Raiders. Here is what to know about the Volunteers’ opponent.

Related Story: 5 reasons Vols could lose to Wright State

March Madness is here! It’s that time of year where your team plays schools that nobody is familiar with, and in some cases, schools nobody knew existed. Tennessee basketball is now in that camp with its first-round NCAA Tournament opponent.

The Vols will make their first trip to the Big Dance since reaching the Sweet 16 under Cuonzo Martin in 2014. This will be the first appearance for a Rick Barnes coached Vol squad. Their first round matchup is against the No. 14 seed Raiders of Wright State.

I usually do a ‘three keys to victory’ for the Tennessee basketball games and began to do so for the upcoming first round tournament game. However, I quickly realized that it doesn’t make as much sense when so many people don’t know squat about Wright State.

So instead, I’ve decided to do a scouting report on the Raiders. After doing some homework, analyzing some stats, and watching some game film, this is what I saw in the Raiders.

About Wright State

We’ll start with some general ‘get to know you’ info. Wright State is a university with just under 18,000 students. The location of its main campus is Dayton, Ohio. The Raiders (25-9, 14-4 )have been coached by Scott Nagy (455-261 career record as HC) since 2016. Nagy has led his team to a Horizon League Tournament championship and an automatic bid to the big dance in just his second season.This trip makes only the program’s third trip to the NCAA tourney in its history and its first trip in over a decade.

More from Tennessee Volunteers

Nagy’s Raiders are led by senior guard Grant Benzinger at 14.5 points per game. Wright State boasts a formidable backcourt. Benzinger has help from junior Mark Hughes and redshirt sophomore Cole Gentry. The trio combines for 33.6 ppg and 7 assists per game. This group isn’t shy on the glass either. Benzinger grabs five and a half boards per game.

The starting front court consists of junior Parker Ernsthausen and redshirt freshman Loudon Love. Love leads the team in rebounding at 9.9 rpg. Both of their post players are strong on the glass and play well with their back to the rim on the block.

Style of Play

Wright state is a very interesting matchup for Tennessee basketball because they are very similar in style and how they play. Wright state hangs its hat on its defense-they only allow 65.7 ppg and sit 27^th in the NCAA by that metric. They have good size in the paint and can play very physical basketball. This is a relatively strong defensive team.

The other side of the ball is a different story, however. Wright State has some quality basketball players that can be capable scorers. This team has been anything but consistent on offense throughout this season. WSU has posted scores in the 80s as many times as they have in the 60s. Meanwhile, they are just as volatile from beyond the arc.

Their three point percentage has fallen in the teens, as well as finished in the 50’s in multiple games this year. They shoot a respectable 34.5% overall, but most of their performances fall on the extreme ends of that median. The Raiders are driven by their guards with their primary bigs only attempting a combined 14 attempts per game.

How it will play out?

This game could very well end up being a defensive slug fest. Neither of these teams are strangers to a dog fight and both seem to be fairly comfortable in that scenario. The Raiders will come out and put a heavy focus on disrupting the Tennessee basketball’s post play and trying to put the ballgame in the guards’ hands. Wright State can defend the perimeter and provide a challenge for Jordan Bone and company.

Next: 5 reasons Vols are a Sweet 16 lock

This game should come down to Tennessee just being better and having a little more in the tank than Wright State does offensively. The Volunteers won’t be able to roll past the Raiders tough D, but they should be able to do enough to pull out an in control victory.

Tennessee basketball will win 70-61. However, don’t be surprised Wright State gives them all they want and more.

Home/Tennessee Volunteers