Tennessee Volunteers 2010 Final Four Betting Odds, Predictions & Picks: For the third time in the five years Bruce Peal has been at the helm, the Tennessee Volunteers have reached the NCAA Regional Semifinals. According to Pearl, this team’s success is predicated on the fact that these kids play good team ball and depend on one another to get through.
After first and second round victories over San Diego State and Ohio, it’s hard to argue that point, especially the way this team got it done. “The sum of our parts is what’s greatest,” Pearl said. “It’s not five guys. Our top five guys aren’t necessarily going to win this tournament, but our 10 can.”
Going into the Sweet Sixteen matchup with the mighty Ohio State, the Tennessee Volunteers [13/4 or +325 ML] have been given the third best sports betting odds to win the Midwest Region Bracket. The Vols will go in trailing the Buckeyes and the Michigan State Sapartans in that category.
Tennessee features a balance attack in which no one player averaged more than 13 points per game. However, three guys average in double-figures in scoring, and two others are just percentage points under reaching double-digits in the scoring column. Scotty Hopson leads the way with 12.5 points per game, followed by Wayne Chism (12.3), Tyler Smith (11.7), J.P. Prince (9.7) and Bobby Maze (9.4).
But aside from those players, coach Pearl has guys that can come off the bench and have an immediate impact on any game. This is the case with guys like: Cameron Tatum (7.3 ppg), Melvin Goins (5.3 ppg), and Brian Williams (5.2 ppg).
“We are a team that has many dimensions,” Pearl said. “A team that plays hard defensively. When we defend and rebound, we’ve got a chance to win. And, obviously, we have great balance.”
