4. Tennessee Volunteers - 18-4 (5-4 SEC)
The Vols are in the midst of a 5-game stretch against ranked opponents. And after spitting its first two games, they took on Kentucky at home on Tuesday. It proved to be one of the more entertaining SEC games, as it went down to the wire.
In the end, Tennessee fell 78-73 to move to .500 in league play. Forward Igor Milicic had 19 points and nine rebounds, while Zakai Zeigler produced 13 points and six assists. In the big Saturday matchup against Florida, neither Milicic (flu) nor Zeigler (knee) would be available to play.
But instead of being the clear underdog, Tennessee’s defense showed why its one of the best in the country. They held the Gators to just 25% shooting from the field in a 64-44 impressive home win. Chaz Lanier, who has been up-and-down in SEC play, scored a game-high 19 points. Jordan Gainer had 16 points, while Felix Okpara chipped in with 10 points and eight rebounds.
The tough slate continues for the Vols, with a home matchup at Missouri next Wednesday. After that is a road battle at Oklahoma, a team that will be desperate for a win.