Rick Barnes knows exactly what Tennessee can’t afford to do against Iowa State
This element of the game might just determine the outcome.
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes talks with Ja’Kobi Gillespie (0) during the NCAA college basketball against Texas on January 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Tennessee advanced to another Sweet 16 on Sunday, beating the Virginia Cavaliers 79-72. They controlled most of the game, but a familiar situation played out in the closing minutes — near collapse.
The Volunteers handed the lead to the Cavaliers with two minutes left after Virginia capitalized on a turnover. Unlike outings against Kentucky, Alabama, Kansas and Missouri though, Tennessee fought back and found a way. “We’ve been in close games all year, but I always think you learn something,” Rick Barnes said of the Virginia game.
“I don’t think you ever stop learning. But you think about it, it was turnovers that put us in that position. But give Virginia credit because they’re not going to stop playing either.
” Tennessee has struggled all season with turnovers, particularly late in games. The Vols ranks 202nd nationally with 11. 7 turnovers per game.