It was a successful opening weekend for both the Tennessee Volunteers and Lady Volunteers in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball tournaments as both squads have advanced to their respective Sweet 16’s.
It started Thursday with Rick Barnes’ squad taking on the Terroirs of Wofford. The Vols were able to race past the team from South Carolina with a final of 77-62 thanks to Chaz Lanier putting up 29 points. Lainer had another stand out game scoring 20 points for UT in the Round of 32 as the Vols take down a blue blood in the UCLA Bruins with a final of 67-58. Tennessee is now in their 3rd straight Sweet 16 and they will play rival Kentucky in Indianapolis on Friday.
The Lady Vols have advanced to their 37th Sweet 16 after two offensive stand outs Friday and Sunday. The first round contest was an easy one for the Lady Vols as Tennessee took down South Florida 101-66. Tennessee also set the NCAA Tournament record in that game for most 3’s made with 16. Sunday saw the Lady Vols hit 10 three pointers with Greenville native Tess Darby hitting three of those ten. Tennessee upset Ohio State in Columbus with a final of 82-67. Tennessee will play in their 37th Sweet 16, Kim Caldwell’s first with Tennessee, on Saturday afternoon.
Coverage for the Vols can be heard on 102.5 WOW Country and the Lady Vols are on MIX 99.3.