NCAA Basketball: Alabama, Duke, Marquette rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
8. Tennessee (6-0)
Even with some disappointing end results in recent years, Tennessee has shined on the national stage, especially for their defense. Last year’s Elite Eight run assuaged some of those complaints, though the Volunteers certainly want a repeat performance in 2025. If the first few weeks are any indication, this Tennessee team has the talent to once again make a major run.
A long week started back on Sunday with a 103-68 win over Austin Peay, with Igor Milicic Jr.’s 23-point, 9-rebound outing lead one of Tennessee’s best offensive efforts in recent memory. The Volunteers then headed to the Bahamas Championship, scoring a 64-42 win against Virginia in the first round. Chaz Lanier was lights out with 26 points in a great defensive performance. This team played even better in the championship game, winning 77-62 against Baylor after building a massive lead in the first half. Lanier again played like a superstar with 25 points in the title game.
This is shaping up to be a Tennessee squad very similar to last season, with Lanier and others taking on that offensive production lost from Dalton Knecht. A sensational Volunteers defense has performed at a high level in all three of their games away from home and there’s every reason to believe that’s a trend that continues with this veteran talent. Next week presents something of a break, as UT Martin is their pre-Thanksgiving treat.