Can someone please explain to us how this would be fair? The Tennessee Vols are riding high on Saturday after taking down Auburn in dramatic fashion. Next up on Sunday is a showdown with Florida/Alabama in the SEC Tournament Championship Game.
With a win, the Vols should 100 percent be in the conversation to take home their first No. 1 seed in program history. If you ask ESPN's Joe Lunardi, though, the result of Sunday's contest won't matter for UT.
That's right, in his latest bracketology, he has Tennessee locked in with a No. 2 seed, while the winner of the Alabama vs. Florida game in the other semifinal will take home the final No. 1 seed for the Big Dance. Excuse us, Joe?
— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) March 15, 2025
Tennessee should no question be in contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament
With all the respect in the world for Lunardi, as he has a tough job, we just don't agree with this. Why is it assumed that the winner of the Florida vs. Alabama game should grab a No. 1 seed? Tennessee has beaten both teams this season.
If the Vols win the SEC Tournament, it would be a complete and total disgrace if they're not given a No. 1 seed. This team showcased incredible guts in the semifinals win over Auburn, as not a lot of people gave them a chance to take down Johni Broome and Co.
Zakai Zeigler led the way with 20 points, while Jordan Gainey added 15 and Chaz Lanier chipped in with 12. We can't forget about the clutch play of Jahmai Mashack, as his clutch free throws late in the action sealed the deal. The focus is now on winning the SEC title on Sunday, but we can't stress how furious loads of people will be if Tennessee is robbed of a No. 1 spot.