Despite the Lady Vols basketball team facing disappointment in the conclusion of its SEC Tournament journey, the focus now shifts to the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
With a first-round matchup scheduled for March 22, Tennessee (19-12) enjoys a significant break, marking the first substantial respite since December. This interval offers an opportunity for both physical and emotional recuperation from the challenges of the conference tournament.
Tennessee’s head coach, Kellie Harper, emphasized the importance of utilizing this time wisely: “I have not looked at the schedule yet, but we’ll get them some time off this week and get them ready to go.”
Projected as a No. 7 seed by ESPN’s Charlie Creme, the Lady Vols anticipate heading to Los Angeles for their NCAA Tournament journey. According to Creme’s bracket, they would face Marquette initially and potentially clash with JuJu Watkins and USC in the subsequent round.
Regardless of the tournament location, Tennessee recognizes the need to overcome two formidable opponents to secure a spot in the second weekend, aiming for a third consecutive year. Unlike previous Sweet 16 appearances where they hosted, the Lady Vols now face the challenge of playing both games on neutral and potentially hostile ground.
Tennessee, with a regular-season road record of 5-5, acknowledges the absence of a signature road win this season, despite several opportunities. Their most notable road victory occurred at Vanderbilt in February.
While the win-loss statistics may not fully reflect it, the Lady Vols believe they carry positive momentum into the NCAA Tournament. With a 7-5 record since the beginning of February, their resilience against top-10 opponents, even in defeat, instills confidence and a sense of progress.
