Preview

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Tennessee Volunteers, looking to rebound from their first loss of the season, travel to face the Syracuse Orange in a non-conference men’s basketball matchup Tuesday at the Carrier Dome. Tennessee (7-1) saw its perfect start end with an 81-76 home loss to Kansas on Nov. 26. Despite the defeat, forward Nate Ament scored 20 points, and center Jaylen Carey added 11 points and four assists. The Volunteers had previously secured a notable 76-73 road win at Houston. Syracuse (4-3) enters the game seeking consistency after a challenging stretch. The Orange are coming off a 95-64 road loss to Iowa State on Nov. 26, where forward Sadiq White Jr. led the team with 14 points. Syracuse also suffered close losses to Kansas and Houston in its recent road trip. The game pits Tennessee’s stout defense against a Syracuse team still finding its footing. The Volunteers have held opponents to an average of 68.5 points per game, while the Orange have struggled offensively against high-major competition. This contest begins a tough stretch for Tennessee, which hosts Illinois on Dec. 6. For Syracuse, it’s a final major non-conference test before Atlantic Coast Conference play begins at the end of December. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.