By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — The Tennessee Volunteers head into Friday’s SEC Tournament game coming off one of their better performances of the season, a regular season home finale triumph over the Florida Gators Sunday. The 65-54 victory secured a double bye for the Volunteers, concluded their SEC regular season slate with a 10-7 mark (17-7 overall), and provided them with a rest until Friday. Then they will play either Florida again, Texas A&M or Vanderbilt.
Though they had a tepid first half, in the second half Tennessee reverted back to their early-season form, playing strong defense and getting consistent and diversified offensive production, while also dominating the Gators on the backboards. They had a season-high 16 offensive rebounds and overall had 38 rebounds to 29 for Florida. They also held Florida only six field goals in the final 20 minutes. Those are the qualities that they’ll need if they hope to win the SEC Tournament title. The Vols are no doubt in the NCAA Tournament, but would like to add an SEC Tournament title as well.
The Lady Vols reached the semifinals of the SEC Women’s Tournament before losing to eventual champion South Carolina 67-52. But their overall 16-7 record and third seed in the tournament was a big comeback from last year’s disappointing season. They will discover March 15 their opponent in the NCAA Women’s Tournament, but most observers have predicted they will be a fourth seed.
Unfortunately, the Belmont Bruins, once seen as a near lock for the OVC Tournament title and NCAA berth, were upset by Morehead State 86-71 in the championship game Saturday. The 23-7 Bruins now are most likely headed for the NIT. Belmont’s Lady Bruins did win the OVC Tournament, and now also await their first round opponents.
Another losing regular season concluded for Vanderbilt’s men’s team Saturday, as they lost a 56-46 road finale to Ole Miss. The Commodores faced Texas A&M Wednesday in the opening game of the SEC Tournament. Their only hope for postseason play was to win the tournament title. Their next loss would be their last game this year.
