INDIANAPOLIS -- The University of Tennessee's men's basketball team has a storied history, having participated in 27 NCAA tournaments and reaching the Sweet 16 on 10 occasions. Yet, despite the star power from legends like Bernard King and Chris Lofton to current players like Zakai Zeigler, the Volunteers have never made it to the Final Four. That could change this year as they stand on the brink of history, having reached the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.
On Friday, March 28, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium, the No. 2 seeded Volunteers took down the No. 3 Kentucky Wildcats with a commanding 78-65 victory. The Wildcats never managed to cut the lead to single digits in the second half, showcasing Tennessee's dominance throughout the game.
The Volunteers hold the record for the most Sweet 16 appearances without advancing to the Final Four in college basketball history. Their 27 NCAA tournament appearances without reaching the final weekend rank fourth, trailing only BYU (32), Missouri (30), and Xavier, according to ESPN Research.
“It would mean everything,” said senior star Zakai Zeigler about the prospect of reaching the Final Four. “It would mean everything for the players, it'd mean everything to the coaches, and it'll be everything for Vol Nation. Our program has been wanting one of these for a long, long time, and I feel like we got a pretty good chance at it.”
After losing to Kentucky twice during the regular season, the Vols were determined to show a different side of their game. They executed a complete team effort, with Zeigler leading the way, scoring 18 points and dishing out 10 assists. Chaz Lanier contributed 17 points, while Jordan Gainey came off the bench to add 16. The team’s defense was relentless, allowing the Wildcats to make only six 3-pointers throughout the game.
Felix Okpara also played a pivotal role, contributing 11 rebounds and eight points. The Volunteers demonstrated their trademark hard-nosed defense while avoiding offensive lulls, which had plagued them in earlier matchups.
“It would mean the world,” senior Jahmai Mashack told ESPN. “I came to this program not for my accolades. I came in to do it for this fan base. They deserve nothing more but getting to the Final Four, advancing to the national championship and coming out with a win, and that's what I wanted to be able to give to them.”
The Vols are also motivated to achieve this milestone for their head coach, Rick Barnes, who is in his tenth season at Tennessee. Barnes has led the team to two of its three Elite Eight appearances and has the most wins (836) of any active coach without a national title. Only Bob Huggins, with 935 wins, has more victories without a championship.
“It would be obviously a great accomplishment because that's what everybody's searching for, fighting for,” Barnes said when asked about the significance of reaching the Final Four. “And I'm just proud of these guys. We've worked hard, and it's not like we've got a bunch of household names, I guess. ... Obviously, I'd love to see it happen.”
In a game filled with tension and excitement, the Volunteers managed to silence the predominantly Kentucky crowd, who had hoped for a close contest. Instead, Tennessee controlled the game from start to finish, executing their game plan flawlessly. Zeigler, who was instrumental in orchestrating the offense, likened his play to that of a quarterback on the football field, a nod to the presence of former Tennessee football star Peyton Manning, who was in attendance.
“The first two times we didn't play Tennessee basketball, and we wanted to show them what that looked like from the start tonight,” Zeigler stated after the game. His performance was indeed a showcase of Tennessee basketball, as he led the team with poise and confidence.
As the game progressed, it was clear that Zeigler was in complete control. He scored crucial baskets, including a pivotal three-pointer that extended Tennessee's lead to 17 points late in the game. This display of skill and leadership solidified his status as one of the top point guards in the country.
“If we have a leader like that, when [he’s playing] like that, it’s really hard to lose,” said forward Igor Milicic Jr. The Vols entered halftime with a 15-point lead, and despite a strong push from Kentucky in the second half, they never relented.
“There are really good point guards out there, they’re really good at controlling the game,” Mashack added. “But the way Z does it, the way he guards, gets through screens and controls the game offensively … it’s levels [different].”
With the victory, Tennessee not only advanced to the Elite Eight but also avenged their earlier losses to Kentucky. The stakes are now higher than ever as they prepare for their next game, which could finally lead them to the elusive Final Four.
“I have been praying and thanking God for the opportunity to be here because I think all things come from Him and it's a blessing,” Barnes said, reflecting on the significance of this moment for the team. As they walked off the court to cheers from their fans, it became evident that the Volunteers are not just a team; they are a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.
Now, with a spot in the Final Four within reach, Tennessee looks to make history on Sunday afternoon. The Volunteers are determined to prove that they belong among the elite in college basketball, and with performances like the one against Kentucky, they just might achieve that dream.
