Tennessee Vols: March Madness Momentum and Tournament Projections
The Tennessee Volunteers are making waves in college basketball, re-entering the national rankings at No. 22 after a gritty 69-65 victory over No. 21 Vanderbilt. This win marks their fourth consecutive victory and ninth in the last 11 games, signaling a strong push as we approach March Madness.
With four regular-season games remaining, the Vols have a golden opportunity to improve their NCAA Tournament seeding and solidify their standing in the SEC. Currently tied for second in the conference with No.
17 Arkansas and No. 18 Alabama, Tennessee faces a crucial matchup against the Crimson Tide at home on February 28.
They’ll wrap up the regular season against Vanderbilt on March 7 in Knoxville.
A successful run in the SEC Tournament could propel the Vols into a top seed for March Madness. Last season, their journey to the SEC Tournament championship game elevated them to a No. 2 seed, despite finishing the regular season with a 25-6 record.
March Madness Bracket Projections
Despite their national ranking and recent victory over Vanderbilt, Tennessee is consistently projected as a No. 5 seed across major platforms. According to USA TODAY, the Vols would face No.
12 South Florida in the West Region, with the winner taking on either No. 4 Virginia or No.
13 High Point.
ESPN's Joe Lunardi echoes this prediction, placing Tennessee against South Florida in Philadelphia, with No. 4 Michigan State and No.
13 High Point on the opposite side of the bracket. CBS Sports also forecasts Tennessee as a No. 5 seed, but in the South Region, where they would meet No.
12 South Florida, potentially facing either No. 4 Michigan State or No.
13 Stephen F. Austin next.
Tennessee's Impressive Résumé
- NET Ranking: No. 14
- KenPom Ranking: No. 19
- Quad 1 Record: 5-6
- Quad 2 Record: 6-1
- Quad 3 Record: 2-0
Under the leadership of Rick Barnes, now in his 11th season, Tennessee is experiencing its most successful era. The Vols have made consecutive Elite Eight appearances and have qualified for the tournament seven times, including the past five years. Historically, Tennessee has reached the Elite Eight three times but has yet to break into the Final Four.
Upcoming Key Games
- Feb. 24: at Missouri, 9 p.m. ET (Quad 1)
- Feb. 28: vs. No.
18 Alabama, 6 p.m. ET (Quad 1)
- March 3: at South Carolina, 6 p.m. ET (Quad 2)
- March 7: vs. No.
21 Vanderbilt, 2 p.m. ET (Quad 1)
As the Vols gear up for these pivotal games, their performance will be crucial in shaping their path in the NCAA Tournament. Fans can expect high-stakes action as Tennessee aims to capitalize on its current momentum and make a deep run in March Madness.