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Tennessee and Miami (OH) meet in a Round of 64 matchup where the Vols should have a good chance to set the tone early.

Miami, which played like it had something to prove after barely making it into the tournament, is coming off an emotional First Four win over SMU on Wednesday, while Tennessee enters rested and with the kind of size and physicality that can show up right away.

The RedHawks took down the SMU Mustangs 89-79 during that victory, riding some red-hot shooting, making 16 3-pointers, which were their most in a game since non-conference play early on this season. 

That win was Miami’s best of the year, on paper, giving their boosters fodder against those who called their 31-1 regular season record a result of their schedule, but SMU wasn’t even at full strength, having been down guard B.J. Edwards.

With a quick turnaround against a tough Tennessee defense, it’s going to be tough to repeat that kind of performance from deep. 

The Vols come into this game with fresh legs, having last played a full week ago after falling to Vanderbilt during the quarterfinal round of the SEC Tournament. 

They’ve had one of the country’s stingiest defenses this season, sitting No. 8 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency at KenPom while allowing just 63.1 points per game this season.

Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) receives a pass during a practice session.Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) receives a pass during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The RedHawks will be feeling with a lot more size and physicality than they did two days ago. 

Tennessee features the 6-foot-8 Jaylen Carey and 6-foot-10 Nate Ament inside, plus a steady stable of long wings on the perimeter. 

Betting on College Basketball?

Bet on a letdown for Miami, at least early on, during Friday’s contest. 

The play: Tennessee Volunteers -4.5 first-half spread (-115, FanDuel Sportsbook)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.