While Dalton Knecht deserves the majority of the credit for the Tennessee Volunteers’ better offensive performance this season, senior guard Santiago Vescovi has also been a vital member of Rick Barnes’ squad. But in their 82-75 victory over Creighton on Friday, Tennessee did not have its starting shooting guard on hand, and it might not have one on Sunday when they play No. 1-seeded Purdue in the Elite Eight.
Vescovi has been ill with the illness while in Detroit for the Midwest Regional. After starting 34 of the 34 games this year, Vescovi is starting without starting for the second straight game after being stuck in bed on Friday night.
As the squad attempts to make a run at the first-ever Final Four in Tennessee history, Vescovi was questioned on Saturday regarding his experiences being isolated from the team. “To be honest, I felt like I was in a nightmare the entire day.” Naturally, I wanted to play, but I also had to deal with my general illness. My body hurt and I developed a temperature. I was constantly freezing.
It was Tennessee’s first game of the season with a different starting five, making it a fortunate year in terms of health. In lieu of Vescovi, Jahmai Mashack played 25 minutes, netting just four points but dishing out two steals and two blocks, including one from Creighton’s 7-foot-4 player.
Vescovi’s offensive will be missed, but Mashack may be expected to assist Zach Edey defensively on Sunday. His defensive presence may be a plus in the starting lineup. Although Vescovi had a poor year this season, averaging just 6.5 points compared to 12.5 per game the previous season, his shooting and ball handling are still essential to Rick Barnes’ squad.
Prior to the Purdue game, Vescovi participated in warm-ups, suggesting that he is available.
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