Tennessee defeated Creighton 82-75 in a close Sweet 16 matchup to advance to the Elite Eight. The game started with the Bluejays leading at halftime, but the Vols went on an 18-0 run in the second half to take control. Creighton then switched to a zone defense, which helped them cut the deficit to three points. However, Tennessee managed to hold on and secure the win with a 17-13 run to close the game.
Dalton Knecht led the Vols with 24 points, alongside strong performances from Zakai Zeigler and Josiah-Jordan James. Tennessee’s impressive ball security, committing only four turnovers, combined with their 45.8% shooting from 3-point range, proved too much for Creighton to overcome. On the other side, Creighton shot 47.8% from beyond the arc, led by Baylor Scheierman with 25 points.
The win earned Tennessee their second-ever Elite Eight berth and first since 2010. They will now face No. 1 seed Purdue in the Midwest regional final, setting up a matchup between Purdue’s elite offense against Tennessee’s strong defense. This victory was a significant milestone for the Vols, as they continue their March Madness journey.
Despite Creighton’s efforts, they were unable to close the gap in the final minutes, with Tennessee’s defensive pressure playing a key role in securing the win. The Vols’ efficient offense and ability to capitalize on Creighton’s mistakes ultimately made the difference in the game. The Bluejays put up a fight, but Tennessee’s resilience and composure enabled them to come out on top in a hard-fought battle.
Both teams had strong individual performances, with key players stepping up on both ends of the court. Tennessee’s balanced scoring and contributions from multiple players helped them maintain their lead throughout the game. Creighton’s three-point shooting kept them in contention, but their turnovers and defensive struggles ultimately cost them the game.
In the end, Tennessee’s ability to take care of the ball and make crucial shots down the stretch propelled them to victory. Their historic Elite Eight berth is a testament to the team’s perseverance and talent, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against Purdue. The Vols will look to continue their impressive run in the NCAA Tournament and advance to the Final Four for the first time in over a decade.
