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I was trying to wrap my head around what I just witnessed yesterday. I was so confused that I did something I only do when I see a spider; run.
Going into Sunday’s game there was so much on the line. Auburn took the regular season championship away from Tennessee on March 9th with an 84-80 victory. Sunday’s game was a rematch and Tennessee was playing for the SEC Championship and a very possible number one seed in the NCAA tournament. It’s been 40, FORTY, years since the men’s basketball team has won the SEC Championship and they have never been a number one seed in the NCAA tournament. Most of the fan base hasn’t been alive to see the Vols win an SEC Championship. After the fight this team showed against Kentucky on Saturday night, it just felt like Sunday was going to change history.
As history would repeat itself, the Vols couldn’t stop the 3-point shot against Auburn and they had 17 turnovers! That’s what happens when you play three SEC games in 40 hours. They were sloppy, they didn’t have their swag and it was one of the ugliest games the program has played in years.
About a mile in to my run, I realized angry running was not worth it. I’ve had three knee surgeries and running up hill in the wind while my nose and eyes were running was not going to change to the Auburn beatdown. But I wanted my body hurt more than heart when I woke up today to ease the pain of the loss so I kept running. Five miles later I thought, so what happens now? Simple. WE-MOVE-ON! This is one of the most talented teams in country, now we have to prove it!
The NCAA tournament bracket was announced at 6pm and the selection committee gave UT a big ole bleeeep you by making them the two seed in the south region. Shocker! (That’s sarcasm, mom.) They will face #15 Colgate in Columbus, Ohio. According to Wes Rucker’s twitter account, Colgate is the best 3-point shooting team in college basketball since February 1st. Making it to the second round and possibly playing Cincinnati means the selection basically gave the #7 seed bearcats a home game. Another blow for the Vols. One thing is sure, I will not be going for another angry run anytime. Soon.
But now is the time to really test the talent and endurance of this team. They have won more games than any previous UT team in school history. They don’t have a regular season or conference championship to reflect their talent. No one outside of the Tennessee fan base gives this team any respect. From the officials, the broadcast networks, media, and the selection committee, it has been clear all season that no one wants UT to win.
This team has given their all to the University and the fans will forever remember how they restored the fanbase and put UT athletics back in the national spotlight. Now, we are in the tournament and we play to keep moving on.