Tennessee basketball: Vols top 10 modern-era teams with under 20 wins

8. 1991-1992

19-15 (8-8)

NIT Second Round

Two years after that NIT berth his first season, Wade Houston’s momentum was fading. Tennessee basketball had suffered through a 12-22 season his second year, still with Allan Houston on the team, and now the two entered their third year together. Demands for better production were there, and to be fair, this became his best year on Rocky Top.

Those expectations were not met early on, as UT started the season 0-3. Still, the Vols rebounded to win seven straight, including a shocking road win over the eventual Elite Eight Memphis Tigers, who were led by Penny Hardaway. They entered conference play at 7-4 after a loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Things were actually looking up.

While in conference play, though, the Vols limped to an 8-8 SEC record, and they also split two non-conference games during that time to finish the regular season with a 16-13 record. However, that record included two impressive top 10 wins. One was a blowout win over the Kentucky Wildcats, and another one was a close win over Todd Day and the Arkansas Razorbacks.

After winning one SEC Tournament game, UT made the NIT at 17-14. They reached the second round before losing, finishing with 19 wins, just under 20 wins. But they had three quality victories in the regular season, advanced in both postseason tournaments, and Houston earned All-American honors. It was Wade Houston’s best season before everything went downhill.