Tennessee's men's basketball team is ready to make a statement that it's ready for the big-time.

Tonight, the Vols' get a chance to do just that when No. 16 Memphis comes to Thompson-Boling Arena for a 9 o'clock tip off in a nationally televised ESPN2 game.

UT senior associate athletic director John Currie estimates between 18,000 and 20,000 spectators will be on hand for what's fast become a heated rivalry.

"It's the in-state rival,'' Tennessee junior Chris Lofton said. "Memphis is known as a big-time program while we're on the rise.''

The Tigers bring a 6-1 mark into the game while the Vols, at 6-2, are still searching for national respect via a return to the national rankings.

UT coach Bruce Pearl is doing his best to focus on the process of developing his team, but Pearl also feels the need for the type of win that would make a statement.

"These type of non-conference games, as far as their importance, are resumA(C) builders for the (NCAA) tournament committee,'' Pearl said. "At the same time, we have to focus on the process, not the end result. The process is what this young basketball team needs to do to get better.

"Our basketball team has gotten better. Have they gotten better enough? That's why we play the game.''

UT junior JaJuan Smith said fans can expect a close game.

"This is going to be a fast game with a lot of excitement that will come down to the end,'' Smith said. "We've come a long way since the North Carolina game. We know how to handle the pressure with a big team like this coming in.

"I feel like I'm going to have a big game.''

Pearl will be relieved to hear that. The Vols' coach said Smith must shoot a better percentage than he has of late to improve UT's chances of winning.

"To beat the best teams on our schedule, and this is certainly one of them, we need to step up our play,'' Pearl said. "Memphis is playing unselfish, averaging over 18 assists per game. They guard the 3-point line, as teams shoot less than 30-percent against them.

"And, they are a better pressing team than they were last year and they're forcing more turnovers.''

Pearl said he'll have to control his "Controlled Chaos'' defensive press because of Memphis' great quickness and athleticism.

"The way we play, there's a chance we'll bring out the best in Memphis,'' Pearl said. "We like to run, they love to run. We like to press, they love to be pressed. We have to mix it up. It's a tough match up for us.''

In addition to the transition game, Pearl said his freshmen centers -- Duke Crews and Wayne Chism -- will need to have one of their better nights.

"(Joey) Dorsey, they're 17-1 when he gets 10 or more rebounds, and he does that almost every night,'' Pearl said, referring to the Tigers' 6-foot-9, 260-pound center. "He has 21 baskets, and I'd say 90-percent of them are off the offensive boards. He's a beast.

"And last year we missed 16 inside shots against them.''

Pearl is hoping for a sellout crowd. But with the late starting time and the lukewarm actual attendance to date, there's a good chance that won't happen.

Pearl still believes home court can play a factor.

"What does playing at home mean?'' Pearl said. "It has a chance to elevate your play. A chance to inspire you and give you confidence and courage and maybe bother the opponent some, and see if you can rattle them.

"It was once said of this building this wasn't a tough place to play. (Tonight) this will be a difficult place to play.''

Game Parking: With the increased attendance expected for tonight's game, Tennessee is providing information on parking.

Free parking is available at the Ag Campus off of Neyland Drive with a free shuttle service to Thompson-Boling Arena. The KAT shuttle begins two hours before tip off.

Limited inidivdual parking will be available for $5 on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Soccer Complex off Leinard Lane and in Lot 9, Lot 9A, Lot 23B and the McClung Garage on campus. The parking garage between Thompson-Boling and Neyland Stadium is sold out.