Tennessee Vols fans show up in force to welcome players home on Sunday after Elite Eight loss

Things didn't go the way Tennessee Vols fans had hoped on Sunday in Detroit, Michigan.  Behind Zach Edey's 40 points and 15 rebounds, Purdue knocked off the Vols 72-66 in the Elite Eight, denying Tennessee its first ever trip to the Final Four.  However, that didn't dampen the spirits of hordes of Tennessee fans, who […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Things didn't go the way Tennessee Vols fans had hoped on Sunday in Detroit, Michigan.  Behind Zach Edey's 40 points and 15 rebounds, Purdue knocked off the Vols 72-66 in the Elite Eight, denying Tennessee its first ever trip to the Final Four. 

However, that didn't dampen the spirits of hordes of Tennessee fans, who came to Pratt Pavilion on campus to welcome the players back to campus on Sunday night. 

By the time the players arrived, they were overwhelmed with adoring fans appreciative of the effort the team put forth this year. 

It goes without saying that this particular team was special.  That was evident from the emotion that poured out from Dalton Knecht, Josiah-Jordan James, and Zakai Zeigler at the press conference and in the locker room after the game.  The camaraderie and brotherhood that Santiago Vescovi talked about with fellow fifth-year senior James.  

And this wasn't like other Tennessee teams in the tournament. This was a team that fought hard and played tough.  One that didn't shrink in the moment against an inferior team.  No, this Tennessee team played a 40-minute game against a team with a player who held an incredible advantage.  Despite that – with a break or two, or another couple of made shots – this could be a different ending we're writing on Sunday. 

Regardless, Tennessee basketball followed a famous football axiom on Sunday in Detroit: they gave their all for Tennessee.  And there's no doubt that Vol fans saw that and showed their appreciation for a great run at the end of a terrific season. 

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