NCAA Tournament 2023: Ranking all remaining Sweet 16 teams

Mar 17, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs bench players including center Efton Reid III (15) and guard Nolan Hickman (11) celebrate with forward Anton Watson (22) during the first half against the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Tournament Tennessee Volunteers guard Tyreke Key (4) and Volunteers forward Julian Phillips Russell Lansford-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Tennessee Volunteers – 25-10 (11-7 SEC)

Wins over Louisiana Lafayette and Duke

Among the top-4 seeds in all the regions, Tennessee was viewed as one of those most likely to fall before the Sweet 16. In fact, there were some that had them on upset alert against the 13-seed. It got dicey in the second half, as the Vols blew a double-digit lead but managed to hold on for the 58-55 win.

Against Duke, they were a definite underdog but one thing Tennessee has going for them is the extreme physicality to grind out games. The young Blue Devils weren’t ready for that and behind 27 points from Olivier Nkamhoua, Tennessee got the convincing 65-52 victory.

When Tennessee plays its kind of game and opponents aren’t able to deal with it, they can continue making a run. But their offense is clearly limited, relying mostly on Nkamhoua and guard Santiago Vescovi without Zakai Zeigler around. But with a favorable path going forward, they could make it all the way to the Final Four.

Thanks to Purdue losing in the first round, the Vols get the 9-seed Florida Atlantic Owls. But don’t underestimate this 30+ win team that has the most depth of any team in the NCAA Tournament and doesn’t rely on one player to score. Tennessee has to be careful because the Owls can shoot the ball as well.

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