The Tennessee Volunteers may be more prepared for the spotlight of the NCAA tournament than any team remaining in the Sweet 16.

The first of Tennessee's challenges this season came in November with an appearance in the National Invitation Tournament Season Tip-Off.

Under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, the Vols fell in the semi-finals to eventual champion Butler and to powerhouse North Carolina in the consolation game, but the experience proved valuable for the Vols.

"It gave us a look at what it really takes to be a national championship caliber team, and it's great to have that look early in the season to see where we can set the bar for ourselves," said senior Dane Bradshaw. 

In December, Tennessee faced a trio of nationally ranked opponents, and came out on top in all three games.

The Vols rolled past rival Memphis 76-58 at Thompson-Boling Arena and followed that victory up with victories over Big 12 powerhouses Oklahoma State and Texas.

During conference play, Tennessee also faced its fair share of challenges.

The Vols met Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky and LSU twice each, and also clashed with Alabama and Arkansas.

The most-telling game for Tennessee, however, may have come when the team interrupted conference play in early January.

The Vols traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes and fell by two points but once again left with a positive outlook.

"Ohio State is one of the premier basketball programs in the country," said Tennessee Coach Bruce Pearl. "Even though I am disappointed with the loss, I am happy with what my team did."

At season's end, the Vols had faced a total of nine teams that made the NCAA tournament.

When the tournament resumes Thursday, Tennessee will have faced six of the 16 remaining teams, more than any of the other teams remaining.

The team will also get a chance to avenge the loss to Ohio State, and the lone senior on Tennessee's roster believes the team is up to the challenge.

"I feel like our team has gotten better since the last game," said Bradshaw. "We will be ready for it."