Tennessee not overlooking No. 15 Saint Peters, grasping moment to play in big dance

Following a Sweet Sixteen run last season, the Tennessee Volunteers men's hoops team is in position to do that and much more as the NCAA Tournament field tips off on Thursday.

The regular season SEC champion Vols have lost each of their last two games - ultimately dropping them to a No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region, yet the confidence is high for a team that has prepared itself for big games through its tough SEC schedule.

Now, they know this is the moment where everything matters - and it starts with treating every game the same and not taking Saint Peter's lightly, while embracing the moment.

"I told the team, we have to look at it like it's the Charlotte Invitational right now. It's us and Saint Peter's and then we'll go from there," said head coach, Rick Barnes. "I congratulate our guys because you don't ever take this time of the year for granted and the fact they they have worked hard all year to put themselves in a position to earn the seed they've got, I think they'll be excited to play."

And it's a message that runs down through the entire roster, especially some of the older guys who have been to games like this.

"It could be really fun if we all clicked at the same time. We know it's go time. It's the time where it really matters," said Santiago Vescovi. "I'm very confident in the team that we're all going to do it and get it done."

The Vols tip-off with the Peacocks on Thursday night at 9:15 pm from Charlotte with a trip to the Second Round on Saturday on the line.