Rick Barnes on the absence of Santiago Vescovi and how it impacts their Sweet 16 matchup vs. Creighton

The No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers are in the middle of a Sweet 16 battle with the No. 3 seeded Creighton Bluejays. And the Volunteers had to play tonight shorthanded, with one of the best players, Santiago Vescovi sidelined. Reports varied on Vescovi’s status a few hours leading up to the game, but he was ultimately ruled out with the flu.

In the first half, Vols head coach Rick Barnes broke down why losing Vescovi is a big loss for his squad.

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“Well it does because he’s a terrific defensive player and obviously, his experience, but it is what it is and we’ve got enough guys here that we’ve got to get the job done,” Barnes explained to Evan Washburn on the floor.

With 7:00 left in the first half, Creighton trailed Tennessee 20-18. The game is currently being televised on TBS.

The Bluejays led the Volunteers 35-34 at halftime. Baylor Scheierman had 15 points and four rebounds at halftime for Creighton. Dalton Knecht had 10 points and three rebounds at the half for Tennessee.

Santiago Vescovi ruled out with the flu ahead of game

As Tennessee took the floor for Friday’s Sweet Sixteen game against Creighton, it did so without Santiago Vescovi. He is out for the matchup due to an illness, meaning the Vols are rolling with a new look against a high-powered Bluejays offense.

According to TBS’ Evan Washburn, Vescovi was in the locker room while Tennessee took to the floor at Little Caesars Arena, and his absence is a big blow for the Volunteers as they look to make it back to the Elite Eight.

“For the first time in 28 games, Tennessee will have a new starting lineup because Santiago Vescovi is out for this game with the flu,” Washburn said prior to tip-off. “He remains in the locker room. Now, he is one of their most experienced players, a great defender, a coach on the floor.”

“And this impacts their depth at that guard position in a game that could be a track meet. So again, something for Tennessee to have to adjust to here in the biggest game of the season.”

Vescovi has played a crucial role for Tennessee this season. Through 34 games, he’s averaging 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals while helping the Volunteers to the Sweet Sixteen. However, his status came into question after he fell under the weather, although head coach Rick Barnes expressed optimism Vescovi could be able to play against Creighton.

“Yeah, he’s just under the weather a little bit, but we expect him to be ready,” Barnes said.

Tennessee then listed Vescovi on its initial starting lineup handed to reporters before the game, providing some hope he’d be able to give it a go. Ultimately, he couldn’t play, meaning Tennessee got dealt a big blow against a tough Creighton team.

The Bluejays entered Friday’s game with the No. 10-rated offense in KenPom, going up against the Vols’ No. 3-ranked defense. Vescovi is a key part of that, though, which is why his absence will loom large over the matchup.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.