Tennessee Volunteers
Record: 22-12
Head coach: Cuonzo Martin (3rd season)
Season summary: Tennessee's season got off on the wrong foot, as the Volunteers lost their season-opener to Xavier 67-63. Although unable to secure a win against a ranked team this season, Tennessee did have a convincing victory against then-unranked Virginia Dec. 30, laying a smack-down on the Cavaliers by the score of 87-52. A bubble team heading into Selection Sunday, Tennessee was fortunate enough to earn a bid to play in the First Four. Despite trailing for most of the game, the Volunteers mounted a late comeback to send the game into overtime. Once there, Jarnell Stokes and Jordan McRae walloped Iowa, winning the game 78-65.
How they make a run: Boasting two very talented scorers, the Volunteers use big games from Stokes and McRae to blitz the 200th-ranked Massachusetts defense and earn a date with the Blue Devils.
How they falter: Tennessee can't get enough production from Stokes and McRae as the Volunteers bow out quietly following their uplifting victory against the Hawkeyes.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.