Sunday afternoon was a showcase for Tennessee baseball, thanks to a stellar performance from starting pitcher Evan Blanco. In a commanding 7-1 victory over Missouri, Blanco dominated the mound, pitching 7.2 innings and allowing just four hits and one run while striking out five. It was the kind of performance that makes you sit up and take notice.
But Blanco's focus is now shifting from the diamond to the hardwood, as he eagerly anticipates tonight’s Vols basketball game. This matchup is especially intriguing for both Blanco and his teammate Henry Ford, who started their collegiate journeys at Virginia before transferring to Tennessee. Now, they find themselves in the unique position of watching their new school face off against their old one for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Blanco shared his thoughts on the game, revealing his bracket predictions for March Madness. Despite his past allegiance to Virginia basketball, he's fully embraced the Vols.
“In my bracket, I have Tennessee winning,” Blanco stated. “It was a bit of a head-scratcher because I was a Virginia Hoops fan, but I’m all in on the Vols now.
I’m fired up for that game. I picked Tennessee.”
Blanco also faced some playful banter from friends in Charlottesville, who have been ribbing him about the matchup. But he's standing firm in his support for Tennessee.
“A few of my friends from Virginia have texted me saying, ‘Oh, dude, you’re destined to lose today,’” Blanco shared. “I’m like, ‘Hey, it’s whatever.’ I trust the Vols.”
The game tips off at 6:10 p.m. ET on TNT from Philadelphia.
The winner between 6-seed Tennessee and 3-seed Virginia will advance to face either 2-seed Iowa State or 7-seed Kentucky next week in the Sweet 16. It's a pivotal moment for both teams, and Blanco is ready to cheer on his new colors.