The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for their SEC Tournament opener against the 12th-seeded Auburn Tigers this Thursday afternoon in Nashville. Auburn comes into this matchup on the heels of a solid 79-61 victory over Mississippi State on Wednesday. However, it’s been a challenging stretch for the Tigers, who dropped 8 of their last 10 regular season games, putting them at 16-15 and teetering on the edge of NCAA Tournament consideration.
Despite their recent struggles, Auburn's win keeps their hopes alive, but they’re certainly facing an uphill battle. The experts still see a glimmer of potential for them, though it’s a narrow path they’re treading.
On the flip side, the Volunteers might have a key player returning to action. Nate Ament participated in full five-on-five practice on Tuesday for the first time since his injury against Alabama.
If Ament is back to full strength, Tennessee could have the firepower to significantly impact Auburn’s tournament dreams. The Vols are poised to make a strong statement, and Ament’s return could be a pivotal factor in their quest for SEC glory.