In a highly anticipated matchup, the Purdue Boilermakers will face the Tennessee Volunteers in the semifinals of the Maui Invitational. The Boilermakers, currently ranked #2 in the country, are poised to take on the Volunteers, who rely heavily on senior guard Dalton Knecht to provide scoring for their team.

Purdue's journey to the semifinals has been impressive, with victories in the first round of the tournament. They have already faced tough competition from top 30 Kenpom rated teams, having triumphed over Gonzaga and Xavier. With a win against Tennessee, they will become the first team this season to secure three top 30 Kenpom wins.

Tennessee's offensive prowess largely rests on the shoulders of Dalton Knecht, a transfer from Northern Colorado. Knecht has been averaging an impressive 19 points per game, along with 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists. The Vols also benefit from the contributions of senior guards Josiah-Jordan James and Jordan Gainey, who add potency to their offensive tactics.

The Boilermakers understand the importance of limiting Knecht's effectiveness in order to secure a victory. While stopping him from scoring altogether may be a difficult task, Purdue will utilize a multitude of defenders, including Lance Jones, Camden Heide, Ethan Morton, and Myles Colvin, to keep Knecht on his toes. The goal is to make it challenging for Knecht to find efficiency on the court.

Another key strategy for Purdue is to get big man Zach Edey involved early in the game. With Tennessee lacking size, Edey's presence in the paint can create opportunities for the Boilermakers. Edey has had some struggles in the starting moments of games but has shown great efficiency later on. Establishing his dominance from the beginning will not only put pressure on Tennessee but also force their bench players to step up.

Turnovers have been a minor concern for Purdue, with an average of 11.8 per game this season. While some turnovers are expected, minimizing careless mistakes is crucial. In their previous game against Gonzaga, Mason Gillis and Fletcher Loyer each had three turnovers, contributing to nearly half of Purdue's total turnovers. The Boilermakers cannot afford to give Tennessee easy transition opportunities that can turn into quick points.

One advantage Purdue possesses is their ability to draw fouls from their opponents. Tennessee heavily relies on their top seven players, mostly juniors and seniors, with limited contributions from their bench. If the Boilermakers can generate foul calls and force Tennessee's bench players to play significant minutes, it could put them at a disadvantage against Purdue's deep and experienced lineup.

The upcoming matchup promises an exciting clash between Purdue's offensive efficiency and Tennessee's formidable guard play. Dalton Knecht's scoring ability and athleticism present a challenge for Purdue's defense, but with their strong defensive depth, they are well-equipped to handle the task. Zach Edey's performance inside the paint will be crucial in dictating the pace of the game and creating scoring opportunities for the Boilermakers.

Purdue looks poised to continue their impressive run in the Maui Invitational, while Tennessee will be determined to make a statement and secure a spot in the tournament finals. Fans can expect a highly competitive and intense semifinal showdown between these two talented teams.

The game between the Purdue Boilermakers and Tennessee Volunteers is set for [date] and will undoubtedly be a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts.