FINAL: Tennessee Vols Outlive Creighton, Advance to Elite 8

The Tennessee Volunteers survived a late-game run by the Creighton Bluejays to advance to the Elite 8.

Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht (3) smiles on the court during a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game between / Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA

The Tennessee Volunteers survived a late-game run by the Creighton Bluejays to advance to the Elite 8.

The Tennessee Volunteers and Creighton Bluejays were locked into a heated contest in the Sweet 16, trading blows back and forth throughout the 40 minutes. Both squads went on big runs that swung the game's momentum, but ultimately, the Vols survived and advanced to their second Elite 8 in program history.

Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht saved the day in the second half. In the second half, Creighton switched to a "Triangle-and-2" defense, face-guarding Knecht and guard Zakai Zeigler and leaving the remaining three defenders in a zone defense. This surprised the Vols at first, allowing the Bluejays to go on a 12-3 run when previously trailing by a dozen. However, the Bluejays didn't have Knecht on their sideline.

He made a barrage of threes to stifle their run, keeping Tennessee in the driver's seat and allowing them to play their signature defense. The Vols were physical with Creighton all evening, forcing them to rethink shots and shutting down easy cutting lanes where the Bluejays could have found layups.

Tennessee will face the Purdue Boilermakers in the Elite 8 on Sunday, reaching March Madness's quarterfinal round. They haven't ever been able to reach a Final Four, and while Sunday's challenge will be tough, Tennessee has a chance to do something they haven't ever done.

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