Time: 6 p.m.

TV: ESPNU

KNOXVILLE—The Vols (7-3) host Xavier (7-4) in a matchup of two teams hoping to boost their NCAA Tournament resumes. Xavier is coming off a one point home loss to Wofford while Tennessee is in the midst of a three-game home winning streak.

Vol guard Trae Golden has been playing perhaps the best ball of his career the last three games. He is averaging 17.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds the last three games. Tennessee will look to him to spark an offense that has struggled at times with the continued absence of forward Jeronne Maymon.

Vol point guard Trae Golden drives to the lane. Photo by Reed Carringer

Xavier has been one of the best programs in the nation the past five years, making the Sweet 16 four out of the past five seasons. Though they’re replacing all five starters from last year’s squad, they are expected to challenge for another NCAA Tournament birth in the very competitive Atlantic-10. The Musketeers are led by explosive freshman guard Semaj Christon. While not a threat behind the arc, Christon uses his incredible quickness to break down defenses and shoots over 50% from the field.

In addition to Christon, the Musketeers feature three guards who shoot over 40% from three point range. Tennessee’s defense will be in for a test against one of the most efficient offenses in the nation. Fortunately for the Vols, their three-point percentage defense has been one of the best in the country under Cuonzo Martin—they are currently holding opponents to just 25.7% shooting from three-point range.