KNOXVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Volunteers basketball team has made a significant leap in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, returning to the top five for the first time since December.
The Vols, who were previously ranked No. 8, jumped three spots to No. 5 in the latest poll, which was released on Monday. The team’s impressive performance on the court, including a dominating 87-69 win over Alabama on Saturday, was a major factor in their rise in the rankings.
“We’re proud of the way our team has been playing,” said Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes. “We’ve been working hard and making progress, and it’s great to see that recognized by the coaches in the poll.”
The Vols’ return to the top five is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. After a tough stretch in December that saw them drop three straight games, Tennessee has rebounded with a vengeance, winning 10 of their last 11 games.
“We’ve been through some ups and downs this season, but our guys have always responded with toughness and grit,” Barnes said. “We’re proud of the way they’ve handled adversity and come out stronger on the other side.”
Tennessee’s rise in the rankings is also a reflection of the team’s impressive statistical profile. The Vols are currently ranked in the top 10 nationally in several key categories, including scoring defense (2nd), field goal percentage defense (4th), and three-point shooting percentage (7th).
“We’re a team that’s built on defense, and we take pride in being able to shut down opposing offenses,” Barnes said. “We’ve also been able to score the ball effectively, and that’s been a key factor in our success.”
The Vols’ return to the top five has also sparked renewed optimism among Tennessee fans, who are hoping to see their team make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
“We’re excited about the possibilities,” Barnes said. “We know that we still have a lot of work to do, but we’re confident in our abilities and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Tennessee’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday, when they will host Vanderbilt at Thompson-Boling Arena. The Vols will then travel to Oxford, Mississippi on Saturday to take on Ole Miss.
_USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll:_
– Top 5:
1. Houston
2. Purdue
3. Kansas
4. UCLA
5. Tennessee
– Tennessee’s ranking: No. 5 (up from No. 8 last week)
_Tennessee Basketball:_
– Record: 22-4 (11-2 SEC)
– Next game: vs. Vanderbilt (Wednesday, 7:00 PM ET)
– NCAA Tournament prospects: Tennessee is currently projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Leave a Reply