Tennessee basketball is all set to embark on an exciting journey to the Bahamas for a two-game tournament. The No. 9 Vols, with a perfect 4-0 record, are gearing up to face Virginia in their first game of the Baha Mar Championship on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. Their second game on Friday will determine whether they take on the No. 15 Baylor or the No. 21 St. John’s. Baylor managed to secure a narrow victory over St. John’s 99-98 in double overtime with a Jeremy Roach 3-pointer in the opener.

Virginia's Pre-Tournament Success

The Cavaliers have been on a roll, beating Campbell 65-56 and Coppin State 62-45 before emerging victorious against Villanova 70-60. Ron Sanchez, the interim coach for the 2024-25 season, has been leading the team with great determination since longtime coach Tony Bennett suddenly retired in October.

First Game: Tennessee vs Virginia

The highly anticipated first game between Tennessee and Virginia is set to take place on Thursday at 10:23 p.m. ET in Nassau, the Bahamas. It will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network, and streaming options are available through Fubo for new subscribers. The Vol Network will provide radio coverage. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams look to make their mark in the tournament.

In this game, Tennessee will be looking to build on their 4-0 record and showcase their skills against a tough Virginia team. The Vols have been performing exceptionally well, and their players will be eager to continue their winning streak. Virginia, on the other hand, will be aiming to prove their mettle and make a strong start in the tournament. The coaching change has added an extra layer of excitement to the game, and both teams will be fighting hard to come out on top.

Forward J.P. Estrella’s left foot injury has kept him out of the Baha Mar Championship, and he will be missed by the team. Guard Cam Carr is also sidelined for four to six weeks with a left thumb injury suffered against Austin Peay. However, the team has shown resilience and is ready to face the challenges ahead. Guard Chaz Lanier was limited in practice on Tuesday due to a migraine, but he is expected to be available for the game. Guard Darlinstone Dubar, who has been dealing with a personal matter, has practiced for the past week and was a full participant on Tuesday, giving the team a boost.

Upcoming Games for Tennessee

After the Bahamas tournament, Tennessee has a busy schedule ahead. They will face either Baylor or St. John’s in the Baha Mar Championship on Nov. 22 at a time yet to be determined (ET on CBS Sports Network). Then, they will take on UT Martin on Nov. 27 at 4 p.m. ET on SEC Network+. On Dec. 3, they will play against Syracuse at either 7 or 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN or ESPN2. The highlight of their schedule will be the Jimmy V Classic in New York City on Dec. 10, where they will face Miami at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Finally, on Dec. 14, they will travel to Illinois and play at 5:30 p.m. ET on Fox.

Tennessee basketball fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks. The team’s performance in the Bahamas tournament will set the tone for the rest of the season, and every game will be a challenge. With a talented roster and a determined coaching staff, Tennessee is ready to take on the world and make their mark in college basketball.

Buying Tennessee basketball tickets this season via StubHub is a great way to support the team and experience the excitement of their games live. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Tennessee basketball is sure to provide plenty of entertainment and thrills.

Tennessee Basketball News and Coverage

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. You can reach him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky@bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy his coverage, consider a digital subscription to access all of it.

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