March Madness 2013: Tennessee Volunteers Left Out Of NCAA Tournament
By Zach Ragan
Mar 15, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers team members watch the final moments of a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. The Crimson Tide beat the Volunteers 58-28. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers (20-12) knew on Sunday if they were to make it in the tournament they’d be one of the last teams to receive a bid. Unfortunately for the Vols that was not the case.
Tennessee’s loss against Alabama on Friday was likely the loss on their schedule that kept them out of the NCAA tournament.
The Volunteers were forced to watch other bubble teams like Middle Tennessee State, La Salle, Saint Mary’s and Boise State receive bids.
Tennessee had quality wins over Wichita State, Kentucky, Florida and Missouri.
Middle Tennessee State, who made the tournament over the Vols, had only one quality win. A fact that will undoubtedly draw the ire of Vol fans.
Tournament selection chairmen Mike Bobinski said the Vols were left out of due to being swept by Ole Miss in the regular season and their lack of road wins.
The Volunteers will now await their matchup in the NIT.