A week ago, I was convinced the Tennessee Vols' NCAA Tournament hopes were completely dead.

The life support had been cut off. Even the NIT wasn't a certainty anymore.

After consecutive losses to Auburn and Arkansas, I was positive the Vols would lose out and finish the regular season 15-16.

Boy was I wrong.

Tennessee's win against Florida on Saturday was unlikely. Winning at Kentucky on Tuesday night was a fantasy that became a reality.

Suddenly, the Vols are 17-13 and their NCAA tournament hopes, while slim, are still alive.

Tennessee will finish the season against Auburn on Saturday. The Vols should've beat the Tigers in February, but they blew a 17 point lead in what was one of their worst losses of the season.

If Tennessee can beat Auburn in Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday, it will give them an 18-13 record to finish the regular season. If the Vols can go at least 1-1 in the SEC tournament, to finish 19-14, they'll have a chance to hear their name called on selection Sunday.

Last year, Ohio State got into the tournament with a 19-14 record. The Buckeyes' best win of the season was probably against No. 22 Iowa.

A 19-14 Tennessee team this season would have a better resumé than a 19-14 Ohio State team last season.

Of course, it also depends on the rest of the field. But there's at least a precedent for the Vols getting in at 19-14. Going 2-1 in the SEC Tournament and finishing 20-14 would certainly give Tennessee a bit more confidence in making the NCAA Tournament.

The Vols are an under-the-radar team that could make some serious noise if they get in the tourney. Santiago Vescovi is the type of player that could evolve into a household game with a memorable March.

(I can imagine a lot of bewildered opposing fans muttering "who is this kid?!?!" as Vescovi weaves through traffic.)

But this all hinges on Saturday's matchup against Auburn. Tennessee can't start thinking too much about the SEC Tournament or the NCAA Tournament. If they don't handle business against the Tigers, it's all for naught.

This is a team that's peaking at the right time. It would be a remarkable achievement if Rick Barnes is able to guide a team that's dealt with a lot of adversity this season to a NCAA Tournament appearance.

Featured image via Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports/