The Saint Peter’s Peacocks are once again capturing the attention of college basketball fans as they return to the NCAA Tournament in 2024. Memories of their magical Elite Eight run in 2022, as a No. 15 seed that stunned Kentucky, Murray State, and Purdue, are still fresh. Having secured their spot by winning the MAAC Tournament Championship against Fairfield, the Peacocks find themselves in a familiar position: a No. 15 seed facing a formidable No. 2 seed, this time the Tennessee Volunteers from the SEC. As they prepare for their opening round matchup in Charlotte, North Carolina, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Saint Peter’s recreate their March Madness magic and upset Tennessee?
The Cinderella Story Returns: Saint Peter’s Peacocks in March Madness
In 2022, Saint Peter’s etched their name into March Madness history, becoming the first No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight. That improbable journey captivated the nation and showcased the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Now, under head coach Bashir Mason, the Peacocks are back. Their path to the 2024 tournament was paved with a MAAC Tournament victory as a fifth seed, culminating in a 68-63 win over Fairfield in the championship game. This victory earned them another No. 15 seed in the Midwest Region, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash with Tennessee.
Tennessee Volunteers: A Formidable Foe
Standing in Saint Peter’s way is a Tennessee Volunteers team brimming with talent and experience. As a No. 2 seed, Tennessee enters the tournament with high expectations and a strong track record. Coached by the veteran Rick Barnes, the Volunteers are making their sixth consecutive March Madness appearance. Barnes, a Naismith Coach of the Year recipient in 2019, brings a wealth of tournament experience to Tennessee, having guided multiple programs to deep runs in the past. This year’s Volunteers are led by the explosive scoring of Dalton Knecht, a standout guard averaging an impressive 21.1 points per game. Tennessee’s consistent presence in March Madness underscores their strength and makes them a significant challenge for any opponent, especially a No. 15 seed looking for an upset.
Key Matchup: Saint Peter’s Defense vs. Tennessee’s Offense
Saint Peter’s identity is built on a foundation of tenacious defense. They rank among the nation’s best in scoring defense, allowing just 63.4 points per game, placing them 12th nationally. Their defensive prowess is further highlighted by their ability to force turnovers, averaging 13.5 steals per game, and holding opponents to a 41.4% shooting percentage. Notably, they are undefeated when holding teams under 60 points, demonstrating the effectiveness of their defensive system. Leading this defensive charge is senior Latrell Reid, a holdover from the 2022 Elite Eight team and the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, whose experience and leadership are crucial.
However, Saint Peter’s defensive strength will be severely tested by Tennessee’s potent offense, which averages 79.5 points per game. Dalton Knecht spearheads the Volunteers’ attack, capable of erupting for high-scoring performances, including a 40-point game against Kentucky. Knecht’s scoring ability, combined with Tennessee’s overall offensive firepower, presents a stark contrast to Saint Peter’s offensive approach, which ranks 334th nationally, averaging just 65.3 points per game. The game will likely hinge on whether Saint Peter’s defense can stifle Tennessee’s high-scoring offense and control the tempo.
Coaching Battle: Experience vs. Emerging Talent
The coaching matchup adds another layer of intrigue to this game. Rick Barnes, Tennessee’s head coach, is a seasoned veteran with decades of experience in college basketball. His coaching journey began in 1987, and he has achieved success at multiple programs, culminating in his Naismith Coach of the Year award in 2019. Barnes’ extensive tournament experience and tactical acumen are significant assets for Tennessee.
In contrast, Bashir Mason is relatively new to the NCAA Tournament stage as a head coach. While this is his first appearance in March Madness, Mason has been building his coaching resume for 12 seasons, accumulating a career record of 197-161. He has demonstrated his ability to build successful programs, winning three NEC regular-season titles and earning NEC Coach of the Year honors three times. After taking over at Saint Peter’s in 2022-23 following Shaheen Holloway’s departure, Mason rebuilt the Peacocks and quickly returned them to championship contention. While Barnes holds a clear experience advantage in the tournament, Mason’s proven ability to develop teams and his strategic approach could make this coaching battle more competitive than it appears on paper.
X-Factor: Star Players – Corey Washington vs. Dalton Knecht
Saint Peter’s relies on the talent of sophomore forward Corey Washington, who was the only non-senior or graduate player on the All-MAAC first team this season. Washington led the Peacocks in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. His athleticism and versatility were on full display in the MAAC final, where he scored 24 points. Washington represents Saint Peter’s offensive focal point and will need to elevate his game against Tennessee’s defense.
For Tennessee, Dalton Knecht is the undisputed star. The fifth-year guard is a dynamic scorer, capable of taking over games with his offensive arsenal. His impressive scoring performances, including 40 points against Kentucky and 39 against Auburn, highlight his ability to dominate against top-tier competition. Knecht’s shooting efficiency, averaging 49.2% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range, makes him a constant threat. The individual matchup between Washington and Knecht will be crucial, with Washington needing to contribute offensively while also playing a role in containing Knecht on the defensive end.
Path to Victory for Saint Peter’s
For Saint Peter’s to upset Tennessee, they will need to execute a near-perfect game plan. Defensively, they must replicate their season-long success, limiting Tennessee’s scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. Containing Dalton Knecht will be paramount, likely requiring a team effort and strategic defensive schemes. Offensively, the Peacocks will need to find ways to generate efficient scoring opportunities, likely through ball movement, offensive rebounding, and capitalizing on any defensive lapses by Tennessee. Corey Washington will need to be a significant offensive contributor, and other players will need to step up and provide scoring support. Controlling the tempo of the game and minimizing turnovers will also be critical for Saint Peter’s to maximize their chances of an upset.
While Tennessee is the clear favorite, March Madness is known for its surprises. Saint Peter’s has already proven they can defy expectations. Whether they can repeat their Cinderella run and defeat Tennessee remains to be seen, but their defensive grit, coaching strategy, and the emergence of players like Corey Washington give them a fighting chance to once again shock the college basketball world.
