Tennessee has reached its third straight Elite Eight with the dominant victory over Iowa State. The Cyclones were missing their best forward, Joshua Jefferrson, and the Vols took full advantage of the absence of the big man.
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Tennessee dominated Iowa State on the glass, making its presence felt physically. The Vols pulled down 43 rebounds to Iowa State’s 22, including 16 offensive boards that led to 14 second-chance points. Of the 76 total points, Tennessee scored 42 of them in the paint. Tennessee made sure to hammer the ball inside all night and made Iowa State play around the hoop, which led to some big threes for the Vols. The inside and out game was superb, and the rebounding dominance proves that the Vols bulled their way to another Elite Eight.
It was a group effort for Tennessee
The best part about the Tennessee rebounding effort was that it wasn't just one guy doing it all. It was a tandem effort from Rick Barnes' squad. Felix Okpara and Jaylen Carey both had double-doubles, grabbing 10 rebounds each. Nate Ament, Bishop Boswell, and JP Estrella all had four boards, and Dewayne Brown II added two in nine minutes.
Tonight proved that Tennessee’s frontcourt depth is the real deal. With four solid inside big men, the Vols can really wear teams down. Facing Michigan on Sunday, they’ll need every bit of energy they have, and then some, if they want to pull off the upset.
Seeing the group rally together and contribute on every play was truly something special. This team really wants to win for the fans and for Barnes. It certainly won't come easy, but they have a shot at winning the weekend tomorrow and making the first-ever Final Four. Let's go, Vols.