As we approach the final stretch before March Madness, Tennessee is gearing up for a crucial showdown against Missouri in Columbia. With just a few regular-season games left before the SEC and NCAA Tournaments, every matchup is pivotal for the Vols' seeding prospects.
In the latest bracketology update by Joe Lunardi, Tennessee is positioned as the top 5-seed in the projected field, nestled in the West Region. Their opening weekend is set for Philadelphia, PA, with a first-round face-off against 12-seed South Florida. A victory there could set up a clash with either 4-seed Michigan State or 13-seed High Point.
The West Region is stacked with talent, featuring 1-seed Arizona, 2-seed Illinois, 3-seed Gonzaga, and 10-seed Auburn, making Tennessee's path both challenging and exciting.
The Vols have a golden opportunity to enhance their resume with four remaining games, including a strong Missouri team, two Top 25 opponents in No. 17 Alabama and No.
25 Vanderbilt, and a road game at South Carolina. Success in these contests would solidify their standing heading into the conference tournament.
Tennessee's recent journey saw them drop to a 6-seed after a setback against Kentucky, but they rebounded to a 5-seed following a home win over LSU and maintained that position with a victory over Vanderbilt.
Among the SEC teams in Lunardi’s projected field are 3-seed Florida, 4-seed Alabama, 5-seed Arkansas, 5-seed Vanderbilt, 8-seed Kentucky, 9-seed Georgia, 9-seed Texas A&M, 10-seed Texas, 10-seed Auburn, and 11-seed Missouri. Texas and Auburn narrowly avoided the First Four, while Missouri is clinging to one of the last spots in the tournament.
Missouri, on the tournament bubble, is eager to bolster its credentials, starting with the clash against Tennessee. The Tigers boast impressive wins over Florida, Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt, making them a formidable opponent.
Catch the action as Missouri hosts Tennessee at 9:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday night in Columbia. Stay tuned for live coverage and updates.