College Basketball Fans Are Feeling Bad For Tennessee On Sunday
03/30/2025 03:13 PM
It seems impossible to have had a worst first half in an Elite Eight game than the one Tennessee just had.
The second-seeded Vols, who are looking for the first Final Four berth in program history, have played miserably through the first 20 minutes against No. 1 seed Houston. At intermission, the Cougars lead 34-15. Tennessee's 15 points is the lowest first-half total by a No. 2 seed in the history of the NCAA Tournament.
Facing Houston's rugged defense, which is ranked No. 1 in the nation on KenPom, Tennessee has started 6-for-28 from the field, including 1-of-15 from three-point range. The Vols have had to settle for a lot of tough shots, and even the good looks they've generated have not resulted in many makes.
The performance has been startling to those watching at home, many of whom have taken to social media to voice their takes on Tennessee's brutal start.
"I think the local LA Fitness randoms could put up a better fight than this Tennessee team… wow this a tough watch #Tennessee#Houston#MarchMadness," one person wrote.
"Houston is doing everything bigger, stronger, faster and smarter than Tennessee. The smarter thing is what's tough to take," a Tennessee fan said.
"Tennessee might score 30 points. This is absolutely brutal," another person added.
"Okay I don't feel so bad about our first half play last night cause what is this Tennessee?" a fourth commenter added.
"At this point, it's so bad for Tennessee I hope it doesn't get better and we see them set a record low for points scored in an Elite 8 game," a fifth person chimed in.
Given Houston's ability to defend, overcoming a 19-point halftime deficit will be virtually impossible for Tennessee.
At the very least though, head coach Rick Barnes' team should have a better time in the next 20 minutes than they did in the first 20.
It would be tough to play worse, that's for certain.
Related: 'Stunning' Tennessee Cheerleader Trending Before Elite 8 Game
