Tennessee basketball: 5 keys for Vols in Sweet Sixteen match-up against Purdue

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts during the first half against the Colgate Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

No.5 – Get to the free throw line

For our first key to the game, we focus on Tennessee’s ability to get to the free throw line. The Vols have been hit or miss this season getting to the charity stripe. They score 18.7 percent of their total points from the free throw line. If you’re wondering that ranks 186 in the country.

Scoring a higher percentage of points from the free throw line doesn’t equate to more success though. In fact, only five teams that made the 2019 NCAA Tournament ranks inside the top-50 of free throw percentage distribution. Taking it a step further, only three teams still in the tournament rank inside the top-150.

Kentucky – 15 (of course)

LSU – 43

Florida State – 57

Anyways, back to how this is a key to beat Purdue in the Sweet 16 matchup on Thursday night. If the Vols can attack the rim, Purdue will foul. They have a pretty stout defense raking 27th in adjusted defensive efficiency. But, the Boilermakers lost the following games by giving up over 20 free throw attempts.

Minnesota (36)

Notre Dame (29)

Virginia Tech (26)

Minnesota (21)

Florida State (20)

In a game they won, Penn State shot 41 free throws against Purdue. Tennessee ranks inside the top-15 in free throw percentage. If the Vols can be aggressive drawing foul shot, look out for an Elite Eight performance.

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