The Saints are not going to sneak up on Bruce Pearl’s Volunteers this year, having watched us defeat fellow conference rival Vanderbilt last March. Much like Siena, Tennessee is the favorite to win their conference (SEC East) in 2008-09. However unlike Siena, Tennessee really has yet to mesh as a team. The two teams will square off at the Old Spice classic in Orlando, FL on Thursday.

Tennessee has been caught playing selfishly and also been caught playing lazy defense in their first three contests. The Volunteers felt that being on the road and facing a veteran team were two things that worked to their disadvantage in their recent (close win) over Middle Tennessee State.

Sounds good for the Saints.

No doubt Tennessee will be thinking, “stop Kenny Hasbrouck.” Adam Chaskin (Siena Assistant Coach) is going to look at Tennessee tape and see that 6′ 7″ freshman guard (former McDonald’s All-American) Scotty Hopson has been nothing short of dominant. This will force Kenny to spend most of his day playing stout defense against Hopson, opening up the gates for the other Saints to get their points. Ubiles will guard freshman forward Renaldo Woolridge, 6′ 8″ 205. Despite Woolridge having a slight size advantage, this is a good matchup for Siena. Look for Ubiles to isolate and take Woolridge one on one. Franklin will cover Tyler Smith, the team’s leading scorer who is averaging 19 points per game and 6 rebounds. At 6’7″ 215, Franklin maintains a slight strength advantage, but Smith has proven he can hurt you from three (14-37 last season).

Offensively, Siena needs to continue it’s well rounded offensive scoring. Tennessee’s biggest knock is their age– they are a young team, starting two freshmen and three juniors. Siena is an experienced team, a team that has shown they know how to play phenomenal defense, and force you to turn the ball over. Whether or not that will come to fruition against a team as fast and big as Tennessee, we will find out.

In my opinion, here is where you look for a bench player like Clarence Jackson to step up. It is well known he has the ablilty, he just hasen’t had his breakout game yet. Here is where you look for Ronald to utilize his speed to take his man (Bobby Maze) to the hoop, or Edwin to have a day where he doesn’t miss; his defensive matchup calls for it. If Ryan and Alex can provide steady defense, solid rebounding, and a few buckets, I think Siena will be in good shape.

Tennessee’s bench players have turned the ball over very frequently this season. Look for this to be a primary focus once the Volunteer starters hit the bench. Their Center Wayne Chism, Small Forward Renaldo Woodridge, and Point Guard Bobby Maze rarely turn the ball over (in less than 15% of their possessions). It will be interesting to see if Siena can swarm the ball as well as they did in their first two games, given that the speed advantage will have tapered off.

Here’s what we need from the Saints; balanced offense, continued swarming defense, and composure. Siena will need to dictate the tempo throughout most of this game– force Tennessee to play our game. I believe that Tennessee’s inexperience plays into the Saints’ hands and that the Saints have a good shot at winning this game. For those heading down to Florida, including the team, have a safe flight, and Go Saints!

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The game will air on ESPN2 at Noon on Thanksgiving.

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