Tennessee’s 2018-19 season came to an end on Thursday night, and it was a rough one.
The No. 2 seed Vols (31-6) fell in overtime to No. 3 seed Purdue (26-9) by a score of 99-94. Tennessee trailed by 12 at halftime to the Boilermakers and fell behind by 18 points in the first four minutes of the second half.
But the Vols finally found their extra gear, and they came roaring back.
Tennessee came to life both on offense and defense over the next 11 minutes, and they erased that 18-point deficit and took a 70-67 lead with 5:25 to go in the game. From that point on, Purdue and Tennessee exchanged blows in rapid-fire fashion, and the lead switched hands once again with 2:46 to go, but the Vols grabbed it back.
Over the final five minutes of the second half, the game was tied four times, and the fourth and final time came with 1.7 seconds on the clock after Purdue’s Carsen Edwards made two of his three free throws after Lamonte Turner was called for a controversial foul on Edwards as he attempted a three-pointer in the corner.
Overtime proved to be too much for Tennessee, as Purdue outscored them 17-12 in the extra frame and pulled out a gritty victory in the Sweet Sixteen.
After the game, Tennessee’s locker room was a somber scene as players met with the media to discuss the outcome of the game and the legacy this team leaves behind.
All video was captured by RTI staff writer Ben McKee
Grant Williams talked about his emotions after the game, Lamonte Turner’s impact in the contest, and much more.
Admiral Schofield discussed what was going through his mind in the final minutes of the game, the legacy he and the rest of UT’s seniors leave behind this year, and more.
Kyle Alexander talked about his growth as a player from his freshman season till his final year, what the difference was in overtime, and more.
Lamonte Turner detailed what happened late in the second half when he was called for a foul on Carsen Edwards, what Rick Barnes said to the team after the game, and more.
Jordan Bone discussed the Vols’ comeback falling short, his impact on the game, and a lot more.
Jordan Bowden explained what he wants this team’s legacy to be, discussed Tennessee’s efforts in the second half, and more.
