Tennessee Basketball is set to make a stylish statement in their SEC Tournament clash against Auburn, donning their alternate home uniforms. The Volunteers, seeded fifth, are gearing up for a second-round showdown with the 12-seed Tigers, and a win would secure them a spot in the quarterfinals against Vanderbilt.
The Vols are entering the game as the favorites, a nod to their previous success against Auburn this season. Back in January, Tennessee claimed a 77-69 victory, with standout freshman Nate Ament leading the charge with 22 points. Auburn's Keyshawn Hall was impressive in the loss, putting up 21 points.
Head coach Rick Barnes reflected on the previous matchup with respect, acknowledging Auburn's formidable play. "We have a lot of respect for Auburn," Barnes noted.
"They’ve been as hot as any team in the country. We knew we had to be ready, and I thought we were really locked in.
But Auburn is explosive, and they challenged us in the second half."
As the Vols prepare for this crucial game at Bridgestone Arena, fans can expect a thrilling contest with both teams vying for a chance to advance. The game tips off at 3:00 p.m. ET, promising an exciting afternoon of basketball action.