Tennessee had one of the worst first-half shooting performances in NCAA Tournament history on Sunday, and fans were quick to let the Vols hear about it.
Tennessee scored just 15 points in the first half of their Elite 8 game against Houston. The Vols are a No. 2 seed, and the scoring output was the lowest in the first half for any No. 1 or No. 2 seed in NCAA Tournament history. The 15 points were the second-fewest for any No. 1 or No. 2 seed in either half of a game in the history of the tournament.
After making just 6-of-28 shots in the first 20 minutes, Tennessee trailed 34-15 at the break.
As you might expect, the memes were ruthless:
Tennessee attempted 28 shots against Houston in the first half. The Vols made six, and yes, they played a 20-minute half like they always do.
— OutKick (@Outkick) March 30, 2025
Tennessee’s 15 first-half points are the fewest in an Elite 8 game by a top-two seed since seeding began in 1979. pic.twitter.com/q6itoUZhHN
Tennessee when there’s a chance to go to the final four pic.twitter.com/LOL3zC1UfZ
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) March 30, 2025
Tennessee Basketball today: pic.twitter.com/0cmlXpALN2
— Old Row Sports (@OldRowSports) March 30, 2025
“Tennessee wide open for 3!” pic.twitter.com/4tM1rRgiTX
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) March 30, 2025
Tennessee in the first half of an Elite 8 Game:
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 30, 2025
6/28 from the field
1/15 from three pic.twitter.com/TMzLgnhfFC
Tennessee with a trip to the Final Four on the line: pic.twitter.com/lFGhspSRFC
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 30, 2025
The Vols simply could not have asked for a worse start. They had plenty of open looks, but the ball just would not go in the hoop.
All things considered, Tennessee was fortunate to only be down 19 points at the half.
