Monday, March 1, 2010

Tennessee's men a lock for NCAA hoop tourney, but how high will they be seeded?

For anybody doubting that the Tennessee men's basketball team would reach the NCAA tournament, those doubts were put to rest Saturday with the Volunteers 74-65 win over No. 2-ranked Kentucky.

Their resume is strong. At this point, the Vols have 21 wins and have clinched a winning record in the SEC. Tennessee also beat then No. 1-ranked Kansas in January. How many teams have posted wins this year against the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the polls? I haven't researched it, but I'm betting Tennessee is the only one.

Tennessee has two regular season games remaining (Arkansas and Mississippi State), and then the SEC tournament. Historically, the Vols have been awful in the SEC tourney, so a win or two against the Razorbacks and Bulldogs would help when it comes to their seeding in the NCAA tourney.

As of today, I think the Vols will be seeded fourth in whichever regional they go to in the NCAAs. Of course, that could change a little based on the results of the next two weeks.

An exciting time of the year is beginning.

3 comments:

Joltin' Django said...

At this point, the Vols have 21 wins and have clinched a winning record in the SEC.

The Vols have been very-up and very-down, as you know, this b-ball season. With all the ups and downs, however, I'll say this: The Vols won't take a 1989-style-one-and-out dive 'gainst the likes of a sub-par West Virginia team, indeed.

Bank it.

Chris Martin said...

Tennessee 80 Arkansas 73. I didn't get to see the second half, but we seemed a bit flat to start the game. I guess that should been expected coming off the Kentucky win. Every win counts right now.

Chris Martin said...

Tennessee 75 Mississippi State 59. The big surprise was that State didn't show up. Their tourney berth was likely on the line, and they played like zombies. Vols are now 23-7. Things are looking up.