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Tennessee basketball: Remembering Vols five previous SEC/Big 12 Challenge games

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 26: Wesley Harris #21 of the West Virginia Mountaineers, Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers, Derek Culver #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers, and Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers work for position before a play during the second half of their game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 26, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 83-66.(Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 26: Wesley Harris #21 of the West Virginia Mountaineers, Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers, Derek Culver #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers, and Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers work for position before a play during the second half of their game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 26, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 83-66.(Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

3. Jan. 28, 2017

Kansas State Wildcats at Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee wins 70-58

One year after the loss to the TCU Horned Frogs, Tennessee basketball was back home for the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, and they were once again going to face the Kansas State Wildcats. This time, however, the stakes were higher, as both teams were on the bubble to reach the NCAA Tournament when the matchup happened.

Earlier in the week, the Vols had scored an upset at home over the No. 2 ranked Kentucky Wildcats. That got them to 11-9 and 4-4 in the SEC, and with a top five strength of schedule, and NCAA Tournament bid was really on the line. Kansas State, entering the game 15-5, was a great chance for another quality win.

UT used the momentum it had from that Kentucky win to dominate the Wildcats. The Vols jumped out to an 18-7 lead and dominated early, going into halftime up 39-22. They maintained their level of consistency in the second half to win 70-58. Grant Williams was an emerging star at the time, and he had 17 points. Robert Hubbs III and Jordan Bowden added double-figures each as well.

With this win, the Vols looked to be in really good shape for the Big Dance. And they continued that momentum by beating the Auburn Tigers on the road the next week. But a lack of depth, experience and an injury that slowed down Hubbs made them hit reality in February. They lost seven of 10 after January ended to finish 16-16.

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