Tennessee handed a rumored move with NCAA Tournament draw, but Vols could clash with major rival down the road
The Vols will won’t know their opponent until after Tuesday, but a rival could await down the road.
The NCAA Tournament bracket is out in full, and now the Tennessee Vols know where and when they’ll play. However, they still don’t know exactly who.
The Vols were selected as a 6 seed in the Midwest region, and they’ll play on Friday in Philadelphia. They’ll play the winner of the matchup between Miami (OH) and SMU in the First Four that will take place on Tuesday night in Dayton.
Tennessee draws 6 seed, will play winner of First Four game between Miami (OH) and SMU
A potential matchup between Tennessee and Miami (OH) is one that had been predicted before the end of the regular season, which was a bit of a curious one because the RedHawks were undefeated coming into the MAC conference tournament. They finished the regular season 31-0.
However, their strength of schedule was in the three hundreds, so when they lost in the MAC tourney, their at large profile rested in significant part on their sterling record, which was just enough to get them in the field.
SMU has been on a slide, having lost five of their last six games. However, the Mustangs have shown the ability to knock off tournament teams this year, as they defeated North Carolina, Louisville, and Texas A&M.
Kentucky drew the 7 seed in the Midwest and could create another Sweet 16 matchup with Tennessee — if both teams can get there
Tennessee and Kentucky faced off in the Sweet 16 last season, and the Vols got the last laugh, winning handily 78-65 to end the Wildcats’ season.
If both teams can make a run, that would be on the docket again. Kentucky drew the 7 seed in the Midwest and will open up against Santa Clara. Iowa State would likely be waiting next, which would obviously be tough.
The sledding would also be tough for Tennessee to get there, as 3 seed Virginia would very likely be waiting for the Vols if they win their first game.
It’ll be tough to make happen, but a repeat Sweet 16 matchup with Kentucky would be appointment television for the nation and would provide another border war bragging rights showdown that makes this sport so great.
