Tennessee Freshman Nate Ament Surges in Scoring Over Last Five Games

Ament has averaged 21 points per game in the Vols' last five SEC contests after a slow start to the season.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tennessee freshman wing Nate Ament has found his scoring rhythm over the Vols' last five SEC games, averaging 21 points per contest after struggling earlier in the season. Ament has scored 17 or more points in four of those five games, including a career-high 29 points against Alabama.

Why it matters

Ament's scoring surge comes at a crucial time for the Vols, who are looking to make a push in SEC play. The highly-touted freshman's ability to consistently produce on the offensive end will be key to Tennessee's success going forward.

The details

After averaging 11.1 points per game through the Vols' December slate and first two SEC contests, Ament has turned it on in his last five conference games. He's scored 17 points against Florida and Kentucky, 19 against Georgia, 23 against Texas A&M, and a career-high 29 against Alabama. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has praised Ament's improved confidence and assertiveness, noting that he needs to continue getting 16 or more shot attempts per game to maximize his scoring potential.

  • Ament has averaged 21.0 points per game in Tennessee's last five SEC contests.
  • Prior to this five-game stretch, Ament was averaging 11.1 points per game through the Vols' December slate and first two SEC games.

The players

Nate Ament

A highly-touted freshman wing for the Tennessee Volunteers who has found his scoring rhythm in the team's last five SEC games.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, who has praised Ament's improved confidence and assertiveness in recent games.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was just a matter of time to where you felt like he would get the flow, the confidence and the vision to see where and how he needed to attack. And he's done that really — and I really think it started in the Florida game. He's put, what, four games (together) where I think he really knows where he needs to go to work.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

“Nate needs more than seven shots. He does. And we'll get that. But Nate's just getting so much better. He really is. And he had 17 today, made his free throws. But he needs more than seven shots. And some of it, he's going to have to go get it and make that happen.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

What’s next

Tennessee will look to continue Ament's scoring surge when they face Auburn this weekend in the Food City Center.

The takeaway

Nate Ament's ability to find his scoring touch over the last five games has been a major boost for the Tennessee Volunteers, and his continued production will be crucial as the team makes a push in SEC play.