Tennessee-Oklahoma State: NCAA Tournament Preview

Tennessee lost a heartbreaker in its conference final on Sunday.

The Vols could not seem to match the intensity of Mississippi State down the stretch and did not hit one field goal over a nine-minute stretch in the second half.

Bruce Pearl's boys had better bring their A-game on Friday when they open the NCAA Tournament with Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys finished the season strong with only two losses in their final 10 games.

One of those losses was a four-point loss at then-No. 4 Oklahoma with Blake Griffin back in the fold.

Less than a week later, Oklahoma State defeated Griffin's Sooners on a neutral floor by one.

State's second loss in its last 10, was to eventual Big 12 Tourney champ Missouri.

Oklahoma State relies on spectacular sophomore guard James Anderson. Anderson averaged 19.2 ppg, and has hit 49.4 percent of his shots in the '08-'09 season.

Believe it or not, the Vols actually match up almost perfectly with the Cowboys. The Vols rely more heavily on a power offensive game, but the Vols love to run defensively.

If Tennessee can get out ahead of Oklahoma State and not play from behind for the entire game, you have to like their chances.

On the other hand, if the Cowboys jump way ahead and Anderson has 14 or more points by half, the Vols are in trouble.

At this point for the Vols, it could go either way. You never really know what they are going to do. It's been that way all season long.

If Bruce Pearl can get the guys to buy in to the respect factor, or actually the lack thereof, then Tennessee can up the intensity and play Oklahoma State off its feet.

Records

Tennessee 21-12, Oklahoma State 22-11

Common Opponents

Gonzaga - The Vols played the Zags twice and lost both times. Once at home and once on a neutral court. Neutral Court Loss: 83-74, Home Court Loss: 89-79. The Cowboys played Gonzaga on a neutral court and lost 83-71.

Kansas - Tennessee lost at Kansas 92-85. Oklahoma State lost at Kansas 78-67.

Players to Watch

Tennessee- F Tyler Smith, 17 ppg, 5 rebounds/pg; F Wayne Chism, 13.8 ppg, 8 rebounds/pg; G J.P. Prince 10 ppg

Oklahoma State- G James Anderson, 18.6 ppg, 6 rebounds/pg; G Terrel Harris, 13.8 ppg; G Byron Eaton, 14.1 ppg.

What to watch for when Tennessee has the ball - Can the Vols get the ball into the paint to Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith? Oklahoma State plays a tough man defense and they are very stingy. Tennessee has to get the ball inside, especially if the Vols aren't hitting shots like Sunday.

What to watch for when Oklahoma State has the ball - James Anderson! You must keep a body on him at all times. He might light you up for 30 points on any given night, but if you keep someone on him he becomes half-mortal. If Tennessee can use its fast pressure defense to create turnovers and cause confusion, the Vols should come away with the first-round win.

Prediction - This one truly is a toss-up, but just for grins and giggles I will take my Vols to win 81-78.