With their 73-56 victory over Tennessee in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals, Mississippi State plays spoiler.
The SEC Tournament was not much of an experience for Tennessee basketball with their crushing defeat at the hands of Mississippi State. The Vols’ 73-56 defeat was both shocking and reminiscent of their season-opening setback to the Bulldogs.
Tennessee’s vulnerabilities were revealed by Mississippi State for the second time this season. It happens ahead of the NCAA Tournament this time. This Simpsons GIF perfectly captures the essence of the Vols’ stay in Nashville.
Before the Kentucky game, it appeared as though the Vols had everything in front of them. The Vols had defeated Kentucky on Senior Day and are now losing to Mississippi State after winning three straight games against rated opponents.
Though he is a fantastic coach, Rick Barnes is notorious for letting his weaknesses show around March. He has experienced great teams finishing their season early due to inability to perform at their peak in March.
It usually boils down to whether team hopes to win more games in March. The teams that are more physical, more desperate, and tougher in any particular game are capable of defeating the top teams in the nation. One thing Barnes concentrated on in the locker room following the defeat was the fact that his Vols can only afford one more loss before the season is out.
