KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Sunday when the Tennessee Volunteers host the struggling Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup at Thompson-Boling Arena. The Volunteers (8-2), coming off a dominant 83-62 win over Louisville on Tuesday, have established themselves as a national force with victories over ranked opponents like Houston. Their backcourt is powered by dynamic guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who is averaging 20.6 points over his last five games, including a 32-point outburst against Rutgers. His playmaking and scoring will be a primary focus for a Tennessee squad looking to fine-tune its execution before entering the gauntlet of Southeastern Conference play in January. Gardner-Webb (2-12) seeks a monumental upset to reverse a season defined by setbacks. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have dropped 10 of their last 11 games, with most losses coming by double digits. A bright spot has been the recent play of guard Jacob Hudson, who posted 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists in a 105-65 rout of non-Division I Toccoa Falls on Thursday. Hudson, who scored 22 against Georgia Southern on Dec. 6, will need a career performance to challenge the Vols’ stout defense. Tennessee’s size and athleticism present a formidable challenge for a Gardner-Webb team that has struggled against high-major competition, losing by an average of 31 points in games at Richmond, UNC Wilmington and Navy. The Volunteers have been particularly strong at home, winning by an average margin of 27 points in their five games in Knoxville this season. For Gardner-Webb, this game represents a final tune-up before Big South Conference action begins Jan. 3. For Tennessee, it is a final opportunity to build rhythm before a pivotal SEC slate that includes early contests against Arkansas, Texas and Kentucky. The Volunteers are heavily favored, but coach Rick Barnes will demand a focused effort to avoid a letdown before the holiday break. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon.