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Tennessee can put the ball within the hoop, thanks largely to star ahead Rickea Jackson, who will probably be one of many faces of the WNBA when she is drafted on April 15.
Jackson has averaged 19.4 factors per sport, eight rebounds, 2.4 assists, and shot 47.1 % from the paint. She has been stellar for the Girl Volunteers within the 2023-24 season.
Within the opening spherical of this yr’s event, nevertheless, their defensive struggles may show pricey towards the Horizon League champion Inexperienced Bay Phoenix.
Guard Natalie McNeal averaged 13.4 factors a sport, and 50.6 from the paint in 2023-24, with 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists to go together with it. She was excellent for a staff that gained their league title.
It’s Inexperienced Bay’s protection that places the Vols on upset watch.
The staff struggles with rebounds however is gritty and permits simply 57.8 factors to opposing groups. In addition they gained by simply over 16 factors a sport on common.
If the Phoenix are in a position stunt Jackson’s momentum early and drive the Vols to look elsewhere for offensive output, Inexperienced Bay ought to be capable of dictate tempo and play a defensive sport that favors them.
That may be a massive “if” given Jackson’s expertise, however one which McNeal and Co. will look to overcome.
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