Tennessee nearly lost its first game after being named the No. 1 team in the country by the AP poll but managed to survive a trip to Vanderbilt with an 88-83 overtime win on the road.

That’s how life is going to be for the Volunteers moving forward, according to reigning SEC Player of the Year, Grant Williams. Tennessee is going to get everyone’s best shot as opponents seek to earn what would amount to an outstanding mark on their resume by beating the Vols.

Here is what Tennessee’s junior forward had to say following his team’s close call on the road Wednesday night.

“Life as No. 1 in the country is difficult, you are going to get everyone’s best shot and no matter how they play – this may have been the best Vandy has played all year,” Williams said after the game. “That’s a testament to them, coming in prepared and ready to fight and battle. That’s going to be every night, you are going to get everyone’s best shot.”

That’s a feeling Williams and his teammates know all too well, as it wasn’t long ago they were the underdogs against every top team they played. Keep in mind Tennessee was predicted to finish No. 13 in the SEC last preseason before going on to win the regular season title.

Check out this segment from his postgame press conference courtesy of Marshall Hughes of Knoxville-based WATE-TV ABC: