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Vols Embark On Potential Season-Altering Journey

The Tennessee Volunteers begins their journey in the NCAA Tournament this evening against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.

Jonathan Lidskin

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Despite struggling down the stretch, Tennessee will get the same opportunity as 63 other teams. The Vols will play in the 2023 NCAA Tournament after being selected as a four-seed in the East region. While Tennessee's bumps down the stretch cost them an appearance in Greensboro, the Vols will not have to go far as they travel to Orlando for the first weekend. Tennessee will be the last game of the day, tipping off at roughly 9:40 P.M. EST.

The Vols opponent comes from the southeast and will take on the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. Louisiana has had a very good season, finishing second in the Sun Belt and winning the Sun Belt Tournament over South Alabama. With the Sun Belt Championship being early in Champ Week, Louisiana has had some time off to rest, although, with Tennessee's early exit in Nashville, tiredness shouldn't be a huge factor.

If the Vols win, they will move into the second round to face the Duke and Oral Roberts winner. Tennessee's quad in the first weekend does contain three conference tournament champions, as Duke and Oral Roberts both won their respective leagues.

Tennessee's only key injury going into the tournament will be Zakai Zeigler. Expect the Vols to play a slow tempo and make tonight's game a half-court game, with Santiago Vescovi handling the ball. Despite all the obstacles Tennessee has had thrown in their way, the Vols will have to win six games, just like every other team, to lift up the trophy in Houston.

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Jonathan Lidskin
JONATHAN LIDSKIN