COLUMBUS, Ohio — It was a struggle, but Rick Barnes' 2nd-seeded Tennessee Volunteers beat Colgate University in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, 77-70.
"I know there was anxiety with our guys. But, we were able to get it done," Head Coach Barnes said. "You don't ever take a win in the NCAA Tournament for granted, ever!"
The former Longhorns head basketball coach could only watch as his Volunteers allowed a 12 points halftime lead dwindle.
Colgate opened the second half on an 11-2 run.
"I don't think we were good defensively, but I don't want to take anything away from Colgate," Coach Barnes said. "I think those guys played their hearts out."
Tennessee will meet 10th-seeded Iowa in the Round of 32 on Sunday. The Hawkeyes eliminated Cincinnati, 79-72.
Friday's win over Colgate was Barnes' 46th NCAA Tournament game as a head coach and his 23rd career NCAA Tournament win.
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