Tennessee Ranked Top-5 In New AP Poll

The Tennessee Volunteers check in as the No. 4 team in college basketball, according to the latest edition of the AP Poll.

The Tennessee Volunteers are one of the hottest teams in college basketball, especially after last weekend. After defeating the previously-No. 14 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on their home floor, they now have sole possession of first place in the SEC. As a result, the Vols check in at No. 4 in the country for the second consecutive week in the AP Poll.

AP Top 25 Poll: Week of March 4

1. Houston
2. UConn
3. Purdue
4. Tennessee
5. Arizona
6. Iowa State
7. North Carolina
8. Marquette
9. Duke
10. Creighton
11. Baylor
12. Illinois
13. Auburn
14. Kansas
15. Kentucky
16. Alabama
17. South Carolina
18. Washington State
19. Gonzaga
20. BYU
21. San Diego State
22. Utah State
23. Saint Mary's College
24. USF
25. Dayton

Alabama was a very good challenge for the Vols ahead of postseason play. Both sides played with energy and toughness on the defensive side of the floor in the second half, making physical plays near the rim and contesting shooters on closeouts hard. Everyone struggled to find their shot, but the Tennessee starters found ways to create shots for each other. Guard Zakai Zeigler paced the Vols in scoring with 18, but four of five starters ended the game in double figures.

The Vols seized control of the game with a few minutes left and managed to outlast Alabama by making their free throws and forcing the Crimson Tide into quick, tough shots. The final scoreboard read Tennessee, 81-74.

Tennessee improved to 23-6 on the season, notching their 13th conference win against just three losses. They swept the regular season series against the Crimson Tide and have five wins against top-25 teams. Tennessee has two regular season games left - they travel to the No. 18 South Carolina Gamecocks on Wednesday before closing out the regular season at home in front of their own fans against the No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats.

Tennessee Volunteers G Dalton Knecht during the win over Alabama. (Photo by Gary Crosby Jr. of USA Today Sports)

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