With 24 seconds left on the shot clock, all five Creighton players were back on defense, ready for whatever Tennessee would throw at them. Despite lacking a numerical advantage, Tennessee possessed something perhaps even more potent: momentum and the prowess of Dalton Knecht.
The renowned guard from Tennessee took a single dribble toward the basket from the right wing, instantly attracting a horde of defenders. Surrounded by Bluejays closing in, he swiftly passed the ball to Josiah-Jordan James in the corner. Before Creighton’s Trey Alexander could fully close the distance, James released his shot.
The ball swished through the net, marking the culmination of an 18-0 run that defined Tennessee’s exhilarating 92-87 triumph over Creighton in the Sweet 16 clash on Friday. This surge epitomized the essence of Tennessee’s season in many aspects.
Just six days prior, Tennessee had struggled, hitting only 3 of 25 attempts from beyond the arc in a gritty defensive victory over No. 7 seed Texas in the second round. However, their remarkable turnaround against Creighton showcased the team’s ability to adapt and thrive, a trait that has propelled them to become only the second squad in school history to advance to the Elite Eight. Their next challenge awaits in a Midwest Regional final showdown against No. 1 seed Purdue on Sunday.
Reflecting on the contrasting styles displayed in their recent victories, Knecht remarked, “I think it just shows how versatile we are… We can play defense when our shots aren’t falling and make it a physical, gritty game. We can also speed it up and play our type of basketball where we’re in transition, shooting 3-pointers, spacing the floor out, and just going out and hooping and playing our type of basketball.”
For the past four seasons, Tennessee had been primarily recognized for their defensive prowess, a strategy that led to a Sweet 16 appearance last season. However, the team’s newfound ability to win in diverse ways has positioned them on the brink of the program’s maiden Final Four appearance.
The signs of this evolution were evident from the onset of the season. Five months prior to their victory over Creighton, Tennessee had showcased a glimpse of their potential in an exhibition match against Michigan State, where they hit 11 3-pointers and secured an 89-88 victory. Despite this being a non-counting game, it hinted at the offensive depth and resilience of the 2023-24 Vols, a stark contrast to the struggles faced due to injuries in the previous season.
With key player Santiago Vescovi sidelined once again due to illness in the recent clash with Creighton, Tennessee demonstrated their offensive prowess by hitting 11 3-pointers and prevailing against a formidable opponent, showcasing their adaptability and depth.
“Our ability to win at various paces, whether fast or slow, has been honed through our schedule up until this point,” commented James.
Their schedule has also provided them with a glimpse of the challenges ahead, notably in their November encounter with Purdue during the Maui Invitational. Since then, players like Knecht and Zeigler have flourished, setting the stage for a rematch with Purdue in the Elite Eight.
“We wanted that challenge. We wanted that matchup just to show our growth and our improvement. We feel like if we can beat them, we can beat anybody,” expressed James.
Comparisons were drawn to Tennessee’s previous offensive prowess during the 2019 NCAA Tournament, where they faced Purdue in the Sweet 16. However, unlike that iteration, this current Tennessee squad has managed to balance offensive dynamism with defensive solidity, ranking impressively in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
“I think it’s been a pretty good transition,” said sophomore center Tobe Awaka. “We just have to understand in terms of our offense that, if we’re having a bad night, we still have to keep our defensive mindset. I think it’s about holding guys accountable no matter what, whether you’re shooting well or shooting poorly. You have to get back and play defense.”
Despite occasional offensive struggles, such as their narrow 62-58 victory over Texas, Tennessee’s robust defense has consistently kept them competitive. And when their offense clicks, as demonstrated by the electrifying 18-0 run against Creighton, they appear nearly unstoppable.
“If we just put those two together,” remarked Tennessee center Jonas Aidoo, “I feel like we’re unstoppable.”
