VOLS HOOPS

COMMODORES REPORT

The Commodores lost Darius Garland to an injury in late November and have not recovered, as their 13-game losing streak is one away from tying the longest in program history. Nesmith has been a bright spot and was co-SEC freshman of the week, while Lee was the person called on to replace Garland at point guard. Shittu provides a solid option on the interior.

KEY MATCHUP

Tennessee players admitted after Saturday’s loss that there have been a number of issues that had been hurting the team, even throughout the long win streak that came to a crashing halt. A couple of those — defense and rebounding — must improve tonight, while the players also must adhere to the coaches’ game plan against a Vanderbilt team that nearly upset the Vols in their first game as the No. 1 team in the country on Jan. 23.