Auburn Tigers Eliminated from SEC Tournament After Collapse

Tennessee Volunteers rally with 20-0 run to defeat Auburn in second half

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:56pm

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The Auburn Tigers were eliminated from the SEC Tournament after blowing a 10-point lead in the second half and collapsing under a 20-0 run by the Tennessee Volunteers. The game was closely contested until Tennessee's decisive run turned the tide in their favor.

Why it matters

The loss ends Auburn's season and their hopes of making the NCAA Tournament, while Tennessee advances to the next round of the SEC Tournament. This game highlighted Auburn's struggles to maintain leads and close out games, an issue that has plagued them throughout the season.

The details

Auburn held a 10-point lead in the second half, but Tennessee responded with a 20-0 run that turned the game on its head. The Volunteers' defense clamped down and forced several Auburn turnovers during the decisive stretch, leading to easy transition baskets on the other end.

  • The game was played on March 12, 2026 as part of the SEC Tournament.
  • Tennessee's 20-0 run occurred midway through the second half, turning a 10-point Auburn lead into a 10-point deficit.

The players

Auburn Tigers

The Auburn men's basketball team, who were eliminated from the SEC Tournament with this loss.

Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee men's basketball team, who rallied from a double-digit deficit to defeat Auburn and advance in the SEC Tournament.

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The takeaway

This game highlighted Auburn's inability to protect leads and close out games, an issue that has plagued them all season. The collapse against Tennessee ends their season and NCAA Tournament hopes, while Tennessee moves on in the SEC Tournament with the comeback victory.