Rick Barnes proud of Tennessee for persevering in final minutes vs. Texas

Texas gave Tennessee everything they had down the stretch, hitting timely shots. Free throws wound up being the difference, with Dalton Knecht playing the hero in the waning seconds. Making four shots sent the Volunteers into the Sweet Sixteen for the second season in a row, a great accomplishment under Rick Barnes.

Heading into the game, Barnes knew the final two minutes would be where the game was decided. He prepped his team for the moment and they came through. Barnes explained how proud he is of Tennessee when speaking with CBS’ Allie LaForce.

“I’m really proud of our team,” Barnes said. “I’ve got so much respect for that stuff, obviously, and that University. Just really proud of our guys. Both teams played their hearts out. It was the exact kind of game we told our guys it would be. We said it would come down to the last two minutes. And it did.”

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In the final minute, Tennessee went to the free-throw line seven times and made every single one of them. And at times, the game seemed to be on ice. Texas found a way to respond though and continued to put pressure on the free throws.

A good sign for the program as they continue to advance in the NCAA Tournament knowing they can hit clutch shots from the charity stripe.

Part of why Barnes was prepared for a rock fight was due to who was on the other side. Barnes has an extensive history with Rodney Terry and there is a great respect between them. The two even shared a hug in the handshake line once the final buzzer sounded.

Unfortunately for Terry, his season is now over. His first full year in charge did go as well compared to the interim tenure and now, Texas is off to the SEC where a few more matchups against Barnes will wind up on the schedule.

Tennessee’s book is not completely closed though and will head to Detroit. Either Creighton or Oregon will be the opponent, with that game taking place on Saturday night as well. Folks on Rocky Top may have to wait a week but they’re ready to roll.

“It’s great,” Jonas Aidoo said. “We got our whole team here. We’re ready to make a run.”