Joe Lunardi breaks down how Tennessee could end up with No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament

A huge week is ahead of Tennessee, still competing for an SEC regular season championship. Facing Auburn in Knoxville before traveling to Tuscaloosa for Alabama could wind up being the difference for Rick Barnes‘ team. There is plenty at stake from an NCAA Tournament standpoint as well, with Joe Lunardi saying the Vols can still earn a one-seed.

Entering Wednesday’s game against Auburn, Tennessee will be the No. 5 overall team in the field per Lunardi. Arizona has the coveted fourth spot meaning Vol fans might have to tune into some late-season West Coast games. Lunardi says a loss for Arizona would really open the door with how many Quad 1 opportunities remain on Rocky Top.

“Arizona would have to lose another game to open that door all the way for Tennessee,” Lunardi said on Monday. “Then again, if we perform the same exercise? They all win out, who gets the most really good wins? It would be the Vols. They certainly have a chance to move up and that’ll start, of course, against Alabama on Saturday.”

Arizona has four games remaining and Oregon is likely the toughest opponent. Facing UCLA in Los Angeles for what could be the final rivalry game between the two should be a test Tommy Lloyd needs to pass as well.

Tennessee will have to take care of its own business though and fight through a brutal schedule. If they come out unscathed against Auburn, Alabama, South Carolina, and Kentucky — there will be no doubt about who the hottest team in college basketball is.

Point being — if Tennessee were to take a loss between now and the end of the regular season, it would fall under the Quad 1 box and not hurt too bad. Arizona can put a real blemish on its resume depending on which of the four games they theoretically lose.

“Absolutely,” Lunardi said on if bad losses could be the difference. “They still need to get a little closer. Arizona has enough wiggle room. I’d say one more loss before they elevate and open that door all the way for Tennessee, or, perhaps, North Carolina.”

Never has Tennessee been a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. A two-seed has been the peak, occurring on three different occasions. Barnes did so in 2019 while Bruce Pearl accomplished the feat twice.

For the time being, Tennessee is looking at another two-seed. However, if the wins continue to stack and a little help out West, history could be made for the Vols.