Tennessee Basketball: Is it time to hit the panic button yet?

Tennessee basketball has been on one crazy roller coaster ride in the past few weeks.

The Vols have been ranked as high as No. 2 this year, but only remained up there for one week. Tennessee basketball has 5 wins and 5 losses in their last 10 games, and it remains uncertain what will happen throughout the rest of the season and into the Tournament.

Tennessee forward Uros Plavsic (33) takes a shot during an NCAA college basketball game between the South Carolina Game Cocks and the Tennessee Volunteers in Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Saturday Feb. 25, 2023.Volssc0225 1323 /

Is it time to hit the panic button yet?

The Vols have had no shortage of injury problems, and it started to take a big toll on their offensive production over the last 10 games. However, both of their two injured starters returned to the team in last night’s game against South Carolina, and Tennessee basketball won by 40 points.

It’s clear that when the Vols are on fire, they are the best team in the country, but when they can’t get into a rhythm, they lose to unranked teams that aren’t even close to their skill level.

Here is a quick recap of the past 10 games for the Volunteers:

Tennessee vs Georgia, W, 70-41
Tennessee vs (10) Texas, W, 82-71
Tennessee @ Florida, L, 67-54
Tennessee vs (25) Auburn, W, 46-43
Tennessee @ Vanderbilt, L, 66-65
Tennessee vs Missouri, L, 86-85
Tennessee vs (1) Alabama, W, 68-59
Tennessee @ Kentucky, L, 66-54
Tennessee @ 25Texas A&M, L, 68-63
Tennessee vs South Carolina, W, 85-45

Why Tennessee basketball fans should NOT hit the panic button just yet:

According to KenPom, the Vols are ranked No. 4 in the nation according to the most important statistic, Adjusted efficiency margin. Tennessee basketball is also ranked No. 1 in every single defensive category.

They are one of the most dynamic, athletic, and consistent defense units that I have ever seen. Even when they can’t shoot the ball well, their defense always keeps them in games down the stretch. A lot of people want to give up on this Vols team, but I feel that the season is far from over.

I predict that the Vols will end up being ranked either a 2,3, or 4 seed heading into March Madness, which is right where they want to be. They are finally getting healthy again, and its clear that when they are healthy, they are capable of beating anybody.

Next. When does March Madness start? Tipoff date for Men’s & Women’s Tournaments, more. dark

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