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Tennessee basketball: 5 keys to help Vols have success in NCAA Tournament

By Billy Williford

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 16: Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after the 82-78 win over the Kentucky Wildcats during the semifinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 16: Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after the 82-78 win over the Kentucky Wildcats during the semifinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 09: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs shoots over Kyle Alexander #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No.2 – Need Alexander to rebound and play defense

Tennessee basketball needs a big Kyle Alexander to succeed this NCAA Tournament. I hate bringing up tough memories for the Vol fans reading this, but remember last season against Loyola-Chicago?

Kyle Alexander didn’t play, and it had a huge impact on the outcome of the game. If Alexander had played in the game, Sister Jean wouldn’t be the most famous nun in America.

Like Jordan Bowden, not to ruin the surprise but we talk about him next, Alexander struggled at times this season, and at times he played like one of the best players on the court. Tennessee needs the aggressive rebounding machine to show up this tournament to be successful.

Related Story. A look at the Vols road to the Final Four. light

When Alexander plays well, so do the Vols.

Tennessee is 11-1 on the season when Alexander grabs at least eight rebounds. The only loss came at Auburn in the 84-80 loss. In fact, the Vols are 17-2 the past two seasons when Alexander grabs at least eight boards.

How important is his defense? Uh, very.

Tennessee is 15-1 this season when Alexander finishes the game with at least two blocks. The loss came at LSU; he accounted for three blocks. If you add last seasons games, the Vols are 29-4 when Alexander accounts for at least two blocks in a game.

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