ATLANTA - Nolan Richardson was lucky he didn't have to coach in this one. <br>
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Vincent Yarbrough scored 20 points for Tennessee and Arkansas went almost eight minutes without a field goal, losing to the Volunteers 68-61 in the opening round of the Southeastern Conference tournament this afternoon. <br>
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The Razorbacks played their second game since Richardson was forced out as coach. <br>
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Tennessee (15-15) overcame a nine-point deficit in the second half, despite going more than six minutes without scoring itself. <br>
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Arkansas (14-15) couldn't put away the Vols, who outscored the Razorbacks 26-11 over the final 7:42. <br>
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Marcus Haislip put Tennessee ahead for good, 55-53, when he worked inside for a basket with three and one-half minutes remaining. Yarbrough followed with one of his four three-pointers, giving the Vols some breathing room. <br>
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Arkansas never got closer than three the rest of the way. <br>
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The Vols, still hoping to land an NIT bid, must win again to make themselves eligible. They advanced to meet regular-season champion Alabama in the quarterfinals tomorrow. <br>
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Mike Anderson took over as interim coach after Richardson was forced out by the school last Friday, ending a 17-year regime that included a national title. <br>
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Brandon Dean led Arkansas with 16 points.
