Santiago Vescovi dominated out for Tennessee basketball’s Candy 16 matchup with Creighton | Males’s Basketball

DETROIT — Tennessee basketball guard Santiago Vescovi has been dominated out for the Vols’ Candy 16 matchup in opposition to Creighton on Friday night time.

The No. 2 seeded Vols take at the No. 3 seeded Blue Jays with tip-off set for more or less 10:09 p.m. ET from Little Caesar’s Enviornment. 

Vescovi didn’t apply on Thursday after coping with the flu, however Tennessee head trainer Rick Barnes anticipated the taking pictures guard to play. Because the Vols hit the court docket to heat up for Friday’s matchup, Vescovi used to be no longer provide. 

“Yeah, he’s just below the elements a bit bit, however we predict him to be in a position,” Barnes mentioned on Thursday.

Regardless of no longer working towards on Thursday, Vescovi used to be at apply staring at from the sideline. 

Vescovi has been a continuing starter for the Vols and an integral a part of Tennessee’s staff and has began 144 video games over his occupation. He’s averaging 25.7 mins consistent with sport to move with 6.5 issues consistent with sport. He additionally places in 3.7 rebounds consistent with sport and a pair of.5 assists consistent with sport. He shoots 37% from the sector. 

Offensively, he’s certainly one of simply two avid gamers to make over 100 3-pointers in a season for Tennessee. 

The guard’s offensive play has lacked right through the 2023-24 season, however he stays an integral piece at the defensive finish. He turned into Tennessee’s all-time scouse borrow chief right through the win in opposition to Texas right through the Spherical of 32. His veteran presence at the defensive finish is person who the Vols have applied. 

With Vescovi sidelined, some choices to fill his mins could be Jordan Gainey or Jahmai Mashack. Gainey supplies a 3-point taking pictures danger but additionally lacks at the protection finish every now and then. Mashack is a lockdown defender, however his offense has ceaselessly come 2nd to protection. 

This season, regardless that, Mashack has advanced to shoot 45% from the sector.  

What if Tennessee wins? 

Vescovi is out of eligibility, however a win in opposition to the Bluejays on Friday may just earn him some other alternative to play in a Tennessee uniform. 

If Tennessee will get a win within the Candy 16 on Friday over Creighton, they’re going to face off with Purdue on Sunday.