JOHN ADAMS

John Adams: Lady Vols down to last chance

John Adams
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

A couple of women’s basketball teams might fake a celebration when they are selected for the NCAA tournament Monday night.

One of the teams will be rewarded for a great season with a No. 2 seed in the same region where Connecticut is No. 1.

In fact, it would have a better chance of making the Final Four as a No. 3 or No. 4 seed in a regional that didn’t go through No. 1 UConn, which will have the added advantage of playing the regional in Bridgeport, Conn. – as if the 11-time national champions needed an advantage.

And another No. 2 seed might be disappointed to see a seventh-seeded Tennessee in its path to the Sweet 16.

I’m guessing at UT’s No. 7 seed. Maybe, it will draw a sixth seed based on its four victories over top-10 teams and despite its 11 losses overall.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA tournament brackets, scores, schedules, teams and more.

READ MORE: Lady Vols project as a No. 7 seed for NCAA tournament

Never mind where UT is seeded. It’s talented enough to beat a No. 1 seed.

Before the Lady Vols entered postseason play in the SEC tournament, I expected they would be at their best. Instead, they played terribly while losing their first tournament game to 12th-seeded Alabama.

Apparently, Alabama wasn’t good enough to get the attention of a team that baffles and frustrates its large fan base with erratic play.

Nonetheless, I’m sure some of those puzzled fans wouldn’t be shocked if the Lady Vols at least came close to making the Final Four. Neither would I.

READ MORE: Lady Vols wary of relying on NCAA deja vu

Tennessee hasn’t just beaten four of the best teams in the country. It has proved itself against good teams with a wide range of styles.

It defeated a Notre Dame team that thrives on passing and shooting. It beat defensive-oriented Mississippi State by 18 points in Starkville, Miss. And it won on the road against South Carolina, which features exceptional post play.

Matchups often matter more than seeding in tournament play. The Lady Vols can match up with just about anyone if they put their mind to it.

That’s the catch, though. Who knows how this team will approach the tournament?

You do know it will talk a good game beforehand. But you also know it could stumble in the first game against an inferior opponent, just as it has  done throughout the season.

No matter what happens in the tournament, this team has left its mark on the program.

At 19-11, it’s tied with the 2008-09 and 1975-76 teams for the second most losses in a season. Most of the players on this team made more history last season. Their 14 losses were a school record.

However, the Lady Vols didn’t look like a 14-loss team in the 2016 NCAA tournament. They upset Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz., in the second round; then upended another higher seed, Ohio State, in the Sweet 16 before losing to Syracuse in the Elite Eight.

Their place in history is assured. Their place in the tournament is still up to them.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnadamsKNS

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