The Tennessee Vols were not as dominate in their NCAA tournament opener as some thought they would be... the second-seeded Vols playing the 15th seeded Eagles of American University, who were making their NCAA tournament debut.  But the Vols did survive and advance.

The Eagles had a four-point first half lead, but went the last 6:58 of the first half without a field goal.  The Vols led 29-22 at the break.

American made one more run in the second half, tying the game at 40 with 11:17 to go, but a 10-0 Vols run put them on top to stay.

JaJuan Smith scored 19 points, Wayne Chism had 16, Tyler Smith 14 in the 72-57 win, which will send the Vols on to Sunday's second round, where they'll take on the winner of today's Butler-South Alabama game.

In the Midwest region in Raleigh Friday, the Southern Conference champion 10th seeded Davidson Wildcats rallied late for a 82-76 win over 7th seeded Gonzaga.  Sophomore Stephen Curry, the SoCon player of the year, scored 40 points to lead the Wildcats, who'll face the Georgetown-UMBC winner in Sunday's second round.