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March Madness: Five keys for Tennessee Vols’ Round of 32 matchup vs. Michigan

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee forward John Fulkerson (10), Tennessee forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (2), and Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) react on the bench during the NCAA Tournament first round game between Tennessee and Longwood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Tennessee defeated Longwood.Kns Ncaa Vols Longwood Bp
Tennessee forward John Fulkerson (10), Tennessee forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (2), and Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) react on the bench during the NCAA Tournament first round game between Tennessee and Longwood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Tennessee defeated Longwood.Kns Ncaa Vols Longwood Bp /
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Feb 26, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Kennedy Chandler (1) moves the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Kennedy Chandler (1) moves the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Exploit the midrange

Elite three-point shooting by the Vols has largely been due to proper shot selection. However, there are two other factors that were in play against Longwood. One is just luck. Some days you’re on, and other days you’re off. The other is the matchups. UT had such a size advantage that forced Longwood to collapse the paint they were bound to have wide open threes.

Proper shot selection will still be in play against Michigan, but the size advantage won’t, and the luck is 50-50. However, one area they could exploit regardless of how hot they are is the midrange, and they have the players capable of doing it.

We know that Michigan is going to deny things under the basket with Hunter Dickinson and Moussa Diabaté, and Diabaté’s ability to play stretch four could make it difficult for the Vols to play their inside-out game. However, they also have a dominant midrange, and Rick Barnes is one of the few coaches who still cares about that part of the game.

Kennedy Chandler and Josiah-Jordan James can both pull up from 15 feet. John Fulkerson can also play a bit off the basket too. Given how focused Michigan will be on stopping UT’s three-point shooting and their advantage in the paint, this is what the Vols could exploit in order to advance in March Madness.

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