Tennessee Basketball Starters Face Injuries Before North Florida Game

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Two starters for the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team are dealing with minor injuries ahead of their game against North Florida on Wednesday. Coach Rick Barnes confirmed that forward Nate Ament and guard Bishop Boswell were limited during practice on Tuesday as a precaution.

Ament, who is 6-foot-10, is nursing a left ankle injury, while Boswell, standing at 6-foot-4, suffers from a right foot injury. Both players are expected to be available for the game but their practice was adjusted due to their injuries. A program spokesperson noted that these injuries are not considered serious or long-term issues.

Ament has made a strong impression in his early collegiate career, averaging 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the Vols’ first two outings. He scored 18 points with nine rebounds in his debut against Mercer on November 3, then exploded for 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in a 95-56 victory over Northern Kentucky on November 8.

Boswell’s contributions are also noteworthy. In his first two games this season, he has averaged 5.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 60% from beyond the arc. He has impressed coaches with his defensive skills, which are critical for his minutes under Barnes.

The game against North Florida is set to tip off at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans can stream the game on the SEC Network+ via the ESPN app. Despite the injuries, both players showed positive energy during practice, suggesting they may still take the court for the matchup.