2006 vs. Winthrop
This game might not have as much significance in terms of history for the Vols, but it had arguably the greatest finish of any of Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament games since the field expanded to 64.
Tennessee had made it back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years and were looking for their first win in six years. The Vols had put together a surprising season in Bruce Pearl’s first year as head coach, and they had earned a No. 2 seed in the tournament. Most believed they were over-seeded, and No. 15 seed Winthrop was out to try and prove the doubters correct.
With just a mere handful of seconds left, Tennessee found themselves tied at 61. And on an in-bounds play, Tennessee legend Chris Lofton got the ball, took a couple steps, and nailed an off-balance jumper to give the Vols the lead with a minuscule amount of time remaining.
It was an exciting end to a hard fought game, and Tennessee got their first NCAA Tournament win in over half a decade thanks to some late game heroics.
