COLUMBUS, Ohio – When the brackets were announced for the NCAA Tournament, it seemed like Albany was ecstatic with the Virginia draw – not a lot of experience, an offensively challenged frontcourt, and a dynamic guard that could cancel out Sean Singletary . In some ways, it seemed like UA didn’t fully respect the Cavaliers.

You won’t hear the same thing from the Tennessee contingent now that the Vols and Hoos both advanced to the second round.

The Volunteers were nothing but complimentary during media interviews Saturday. They repeatedly called Singletary and J.R. Reynolds NBA caliber guards. They talked about how hard it would be to press and how great the Cavs’ defense is. Theoretically, it could be the Lou Holtz routine where everyone is talked up ad nausea before the game – it sounded like genuine respect, though.

“We’re very excited to have advanced and be playing in the second round. The opponent is extremely formidable – Virginia winning the ACC season with North Carolina had such an outstanding season,” Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said. “This will be a terrific challenge for us.”

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