No. 3 seed Tennessee (27-8) lost to 11th-seeded Michigan (19-14), 76-68, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday.
Following the game, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes discussed the Vols’ performance.
“Congratulations to Michigan,” Barnes said. “It was a hard-fought game. They made plays that put them in the position to win the game. That being said — this group of guys has been a special group, and how far we have come, starting the year with seven freshmen and how they have meshed together, this has been a special group for us – and really hard when you lose, whether you lose first round or in the Final Four. It’s hard because it puts an end to your season.
“All I can say is how proud I am of our team and how hard they have worked all year long to get where we are. I’m disappointed for them because, again, I love the work and what they’ve put into this program this year. I won’t ever take for granted being in this tournament. There are people that never get a chance to do it, and the fact that they worked hard and had a chance to play this time of year is special – I appreciate this team so much.”
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