NCAA Basketball: Kansas State, Providence on the rise on latest top 25 power ranking
By Joey Loose
3. Tennessee (13-2)
The nation’s best defense resides in Knoxville and the Volunteers continue to prove that on a weekly basis, especially with their performance in these last couple of games. There have been a few bumps in the road, but this Volunteers squad certainly looks like one of this season’s elite squads, even if that offense can be a liability at times.
The fantastic week started with an 87-53 home win over Mississippi State, squashing a Bulldogs team that got this season off to a hot start. Five different Volunteers scored in double digits, led by Santiago Vescovi’s 14-point effort and Zakai Zeigler’s double-double. Their performance over the weekend was even more dominant, absolutely steamrolling South Carolina on the road in an 85-42 decision. Olivier Nkahmhoua had 21 points and 10 rebounds, while that immaculate defensive performance severely limited the Gamecocks, who hit just 12 field goals in the game.
Defense wins championships, but is defense enough? The Volunteers’ offense really stood out this week with two of their best performances of the season, but can they do this against some of the stronger teams in the SEC? Tennessee is capable of beating just about anyone, especially if their defense plays like this, and gets home dates with Vanderbilt and Kentucky next week, two teams that aren’t exactly on top of their game this season.