Tennessee power forward Tobe Awaka is a game-time decision for the Vols’ Tuesday night showdown against No. 2 Purdue, a Tennessee spokesperson confirmed. Awaka will warm up with the team before the decision is made.
*Update: Awaka is available to play against Purdue.
Awaka suffered a right ankle injury in the opening minutes of the Vols’ 73-56 win over Syracuse on Monday afternoon and was unable to return to the game.
The Vols are thin inside and Awaka’s absence would be a big loss for any game. But the sophomore big man potentially being out against the second-ranked Boiler Makers is even more important. Purdue boasts reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey. The 7-foot-4 Edey averages 21.8 points and 11 rebounds per game and is a challenge for everyone in the country to defend.
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Tennessee’s matchup against Purdue presents a major test for the Vols’ junior big man Jonas Aidoo who is one of the nation’s best post defenders. If Awaka is out, freshmen Cade Phillips and JP Estrella could also receive more opportunities.
With Awaka out against Syracuse, Barnes and his staff turned to freshman JP Estrella in the first half to spell Aidoo. In his first big game minutes, Estrella performed well. The Maine native scored two points, grabbed three offensive rebounds and had an assist in nine minutes of action.
In the second half, Tennessee turned to an all-guard and wing lineup that included Josiah-Jordan James playing the five-spot and either Dalton Knecht or Jahmai Mashack playing the four-spot when they needed to spell Aidoo.
Tipoff between Tennessee and Purdue is at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas and Angel Gray are on the call for ESPN.
