Tennessee will conclude its 2010 regular season on Saturday night against Western Division foe Mississippi State in Starkville, Mississippi.
At 22-7 (10-5 SEC), Tennessee has cemented its spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Tennessee is currently projected as a four seed in the latest Bracketology. With a win in Starkville and a run in the upcoming Southeastern Conference Tournament, the Vols hope to improve on that position.
Meanwhile, at 21-9 (9-6 SEC) Lunardi projects Mississippi State as a bubble team currently on the outside looking in. Listed as one of the first eight teams left out of the tournament, the Bulldogs desperately need a win against Tennessee to improve its chances of making the Big Dance.
Starters
The Bulldogs boast four starters who average double-figures in scoring. Ravern Johnson leads the team, averaging just under 14 points per game, followed by Jarvis Varnado with 13.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
Title game rematch
Tennessee and Mississippi State last met on March 15th, 2009 in the title game of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. State won the game 81-76 and took home the tournament championship.
One for the record books
Tennessee seniors Wayne Chism and Quinn Cannington will look to make history on Saturday night. The two have been a part of 98 wins since arriving on campus, tying last years senior class as the winningest of all time. One more, and the duo will sit alone atop the Tennessee record books.
While Cannington spent most of his time at Tennessee in a reserve role, Wayne Chism played in an astounding 134 games during his tenure in Knoxville. A mark unmatched in Tennessee history.
Game time is 6:00 p.m.