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Tennessee basketball week in review: Vols good enough for No.1 ranking?

By Billy Williford

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts in the second half against the Loyola Ramblers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts in the second half against the Loyola Ramblers during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at the American Airlines Center on March 17, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 29: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers and Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate on the bench during the second half of the game between the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on December 29, 2018, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won 96-53. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

Looking Ahead

History has a way of repeating itself.

During the 2007-08 season, the Vols rolled into Memphis for a No.1 vs. No.2 matchup. It still ranks as one of the biggest games in Tennessee basketball history and rightfully so. Tennessee legend, Chris Lofton, didn’t have his best game but he was enough of a distraction for guys like Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism to carry the scoring load.

The Vols went on to win that game and receive the No.1 ranking for the first time in program history. However, the very next game Tennessee had to travel to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt and ended up losing. Ironic?

A similar scenario could be at play this week. The Vols travel to Nashville Wednesday for their rivalry matchup against Vanderbilt. Tennessee could also be ranked No.1 in the nation. However, this is a different Commodores team. They are 0-5 in the SEC and not very good. But, Memorial Gymnasium is always a tough place to play.

The second game of the week comes against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. At the time this game was booked it had the makings of a top ten matchup. However, West Virginia isn’t that good but, they are dangerous.

The Mountaineers are coming off a huge win against Kansas which could help turn their season around.

Next. 5 reasons for excitement surrounding Vols offseason. dark

On paper, this looks like another 2-0 week for the Vols. However, don’t be fooled, Vanderbilt and West Virginia will come ready to play looking for the upset.

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