Tennessee Volunteers Surge Past Creighton Bluejays: Did Defense Seal the Deal?
The Tennessee Volunteers, ranked 6th, edged out a victory over the 11th-ranked Creighton Bluejays with a final score of 82-75. The Volunteers now boast an impressive record of 28-8, while the Bluejays fall to 22-12.
In a game that saw five ties and eleven lead changes, it was ultimately the Volunteers' robust defensive play and efficient scoring that made the difference. The team tallied five blocks and five steals, contributing to their defensive dominance. On offense, they were equally effective with an assist-turnover ratio of 4.0 and capitalizing on turnovers by scoring ten points off them.
The Volunteers showed their strength in fast-break situations as well, notching up eighteen fast break points compared to just five from the Bluejays. This aggressive play style kept their opponents on their heels throughout the contest.
Offensive rebounds were another area where Tennessee excelled; they grabbed eleven offensive boards leading to fifteen second-chance points. These efforts underscored a relentless pursuit for scoring opportunities which paid dividends in extending possessions and capitalizing on each chance.
From beyond the arc, both teams showcased sharpshooting skills with Tennessee making eleven three-pointers at a rate of forty-six percent while Creighton also sank eleven but at a slightly higher forty-eight percent accuracy rate.
Free throws often make or break close games, and this matchup was no exception. The Volunteers secured an eighty-three percent success rate from the line due to fifteen free throws made out of eighteen attempts which helped cement their lead as time wound down.
As for individual performances from Tennessee's side – though specific player statistics are not provided – it is clear that collective effort across various facets of gameplay contributed significantly to this Midwest Regional - Sweet 16 - Game victory witnessed by an attendance of 18,574 fans at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Looking ahead for Tennessee Volunteers fans eager to follow their team's journey; next up is an encounter against Purdue Boilermakers scheduled for March 31st at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit at 2:20 PM (ET). This upcoming game will be broadcasted live on CBS where supporters can tune in to cheer on their team as they continue through March Madness.