Tennessee has heard all the noise this season. They started the regular season well, with wins over Texas, Kansas and Alabama; but even despite this their history in March had some ready to fade the Vols early in the Big Dance.

The Vols narrowly avoided Louisiana Thursday and earned a date with 5-seed Duke Saturday afternoon. And this time, Tennessee came to play.

The Vols’ ultra reliable defense took it to the Blue Devils early, forcing 11 first-half turnovers. Tennessee held Duke to just 21 points through the first 20 minutes, the lowest point total in the NCAA Tournament in Duke basketball history.

The Vols played their game in the first half. That’s why they lead by 6 heading into the 2nd, just 20 minutes away from Rick Barnes’ 2nd Sweet 16 berth in Knoxville.

Santiago Vescovi and Jonas Aidoo are big reasons why. Aidoo has been a menace against Duke’s Kyle Filipowski and Vescovi’s off-ball movement has Duke guards scrambling all over the court. Aidoo and Vescovi each have 8 points. Duke guard Jeremy Roach picked up 3 early fouls, too.

There’s a long way to go, but this is as strong of a start as Tennessee fans could have hoped for. Let’s see if the Vols can hold on down the stretch to face off against one of FAU or FDU next week in the Sweet Sixteen.