CHICAGO – The Tennessee Volunteers are heading back to the Elite Eight for the third consecutive NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, defeating Iowa State 76-62 at the United Center on Thursday. This victory secures Tennessee’s place among the final eight teams vying for a national championship and continues a remarkable run of success under head coach Rick Barnes.
Despite boasting 11 newcomers to this year’s roster, the Volunteers demonstrated a cohesive and dominant performance, particularly in the second half. The team’s success hinges on a commitment to rebounding and interior play, a marked improvement from previous seasons, and sets the stage for a challenging matchup against the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines on Sunday.
Tennessee’s path to the Elite Eight wasn’t without its challenges, but the Volunteers’ ability to control the boards proved decisive against Iowa State. They out-rebounded the Cyclones 43-22, securing 16 offensive rebounds and outscoring them 42-30 in the paint. Forward Jaylen Carey, a Vanderbilt transfer, and Felix Okpara led the charge, both recording double-doubles in the win.
Dominant Second Half Fuels Tennessee Victory
The Volunteers’ second-half surge overwhelmed Iowa State. Carey, who finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds, punctuated the dominance with a demonstrative gesture towards the crowd after forcing a Cyclone timeout with 12:57 remaining. Okpara contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing the improved post presence Barnes emphasized as crucial for this year’s team. “Last year, we had no post presence at all,” Barnes said. “We knew at some point in time that we’re going to have to acquire it again. I can’t say enough about Felix’s improvement, his development.”
Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic acknowledged the Volunteers’ relentless effort on the glass. “We were just fighting for every rebound, and we were kind of just exhaling when we got it,” he lamented.
Building on Past Successes, Overcoming Past Shortcomings
This Elite Eight appearance marks the third straight for Tennessee under Barnes, a significant achievement for a program that had only reached the stage once before, in 2010. However, the Volunteers are determined to go further. “We have some unfinished business,” Okpara stated, referencing last year’s 69-50 loss to Houston in the Elite Eight, a game where the Cougars held a 42-35 rebounding advantage and limited Tennessee to 29% shooting. Okpara, who had nine rebounds in that loss, believes this year’s team is better equipped to contend with strong frontcourts.
Athletic director Danny White highlighted the program’s transformation under Barnes. “Last year, I said to Rick, ‘You’re turning Tennessee basketball into a blue blood,’ but that was from three straight Sweet 16s, two straight Elite Eights,” White said. “And now four straight Sweet 16s and three straight Elite Eights. It’s phenomenal. It’s fun to be around it.”
Iowa State Hampered by Key Injury
Iowa State faced a significant setback entering the game with the absence of All-America forward Joshua Jefferson, who was unable to play due to a sprained left ankle. Jefferson reportedly worked to rehab the injury but experienced continued pain, making his participation impossible. “Just a really tough circumstance to deal with,” Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “We did everything in our power to get him out there, ready to play, and it just wasn’t enough. He’s a fierce competitor.”
Looking ahead, Tennessee will face a formidable challenge in Michigan, with a Final Four berth on the line. The Volunteers’ success will likely depend on their continued dominance in the paint and their ability to control the boards against the Wolverines’ size. The game promises to be a physical battle, and Tennessee will need to maintain its current level of intensity and execution to advance.
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