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Auburn basketball faces Tennessee in SEC Tournament
Tigers look to upset 5-seed Volunteers and boost NCAA Tournament hopes
Published on Mar. 12, 2026
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Auburn basketball continues its SEC Tournament run today against 5-seed Tennessee. The 12th-seeded Tigers are looking to pull off an upset and earn a key Quad 1 victory that could boost their NCAA Tournament chances. Coach Steven Pearl expects a physical battle against the Volunteers, who are known for their tough, physical style of play.
Why it matters
This game is crucial for Auburn's NCAA Tournament hopes. The Tigers are currently on the wrong side of the bubble, but a win over Tennessee would give them a fifth Quad 1 victory, which could be the difference in making the Big Dance.
The details
Auburn advanced to the second round of the SEC Tournament with a 79-61 win over 13-seed Mississippi State on Wednesday. Now the Tigers will face a tough test against 5-seed Tennessee, who are known for their physical, bruising style of play. Coach Steven Pearl expects his team to have to "show a different level of toughness" to beat the Volunteers.
- The game tips off at 2 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
- Auburn defeated Mississippi State 79-61 in the first round on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The players
Steven Pearl
The head coach of the Auburn Tigers basketball team.
Tennessee Volunteers
The 5-seed in the 2026 SEC Tournament, known for their physical, tough style of play.
What they’re saying
“They're going to challenge your toughness, your manhood. You got to respond and answer the bell tomorrow, because tomorrow's going to be a fight. That's what the game comes down to.”
— Steven Pearl, Head Coach, Auburn Tigers
What’s next
The winner of Thursday's Auburn-Tennessee game will advance to the SEC Tournament semifinals on Friday, March 13.
The takeaway
This SEC Tournament matchup between Auburn and Tennessee is a crucial one for the Tigers' NCAA Tournament hopes. Auburn needs a Quad 1 win over the Volunteers to bolster its resume and make a late push for an at-large bid.
