Tennessee basketball: 3 bold predictions for Vols vs. Gamecocks

The No.1 Tennessee basketball team gears up for a road test against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Here are three bold predictions for the game.

Road games are never easy, especially in college basketball. The Tennessee basketball team takes the court Tuesday night against the South Carolina Gamecocks. A Gamecocks ball club that is 5-1 in SEC with their only loss coming to the LSU Tigers.

Tennessee already had a target on their back with the preseason ranking inside the top-ten. Add a number one beside your name, and you give teams even more motivation to pull the upset. Not to mention Colonial Life Arena is no easy place to play, especially in front of a sold-out crowd.

If the Vols want to leave South Carolina perfect in conference play, they are going to need a total team effort which fits flawlessly with our bold predictions for the game.

1. John Fulkerson matches his game against Tennessee Tech

John Fulkerson had one of the best games of his career earlier this season against the Golden Eagles. Off the bench, Fulkerson played 19 minutes scoring 15 points on 6-for-7 from the floor, including 3-for-4 from the line. The Sophomore from Kingsport, Tennessee added four rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and two steals in the 96-53 win.

Although Chris Silva is struggling this season, he is crucial to the Gamecocks success. When Silva gets in foul trouble, it usually spells trouble for South Carolina. The Gamecocks are 5-8 when Silva commits four or more fouls.

Look for Fulkerson to play extended minutes tonight. He’s only scored one point in the past three games; I like Fulkerson to grab at least five boards with eight points in 15 minutes.

2. Jordan Bone with a double-double

We just got finished bragging about the job Bone has done this season protecting the basketball, and then he commits four turnovers against West Virginia.

Other than West Virginia and Memphis, Bone has been nothing short of spectacular. And, I look for more of that consistency Tuesday night against South Carolina.

Look for Bone to score at least ten points and dish out ten assists. He’s already had two double-doubles on the season against Samford and Tennessee Tech, count the game against the Gamecocks the third.

3. Admiral Schofield snap his shooting slump

When it’s good, it’s good. But, as we are finding out when it’s bad, it’s pretty bad. When you are as good as Schofield shooting slumps are going to happen. It even happens to the best of shooters in the NBA.

In the past three games, Schofield is shooting 25 percent from the floor, including just 15 percent from the three-point line. Yet, somehow he has managed to score 14, 6, and 12 in those games.

I look for Schofield to get back on track and lead the Vols in scoring Tuesday night. He will score at least 20 points, which would be the first time since scoring 29 against Memphis.