Tennessee Basketball Bringing Back 'Orange Out' For Rivalry Matchup Against Alabama

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Tennessee basketball is doing an 'Orange Out' for the Vols' matchup against Alabama on Saturday night at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. It's the second straight season that Tennessee has had an 'Orange Out' for the rivalry matchup against Alabama. Tennessee is looking to complete the season sweep of Alabama on Saturday after knocking off the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa in late January.

Why it matters

Both Tennessee and Alabama have been two of the best teams in the SEC since the first meeting. The Vols have won eight of their last 10 games since the win in Tuscaloosa, while Alabama has won eight of its last nine games since the loss. This matchup has major implications for seeding in the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

The details

Tennessee knocked off Alabama 79-73 in Tuscaloosa in late January, with Nate Ament scoring 29 points for the Vols. Alabama did a 'White Out' when Tennessee was at Coleman Coliseum earlier this season. Tennessee is currently 5.5-point favorites over Alabama according to the DKSportsbook, with the over/under set at 162.5. KenPom predicts Tennessee to earn an 84-80 victory over the Crimson Tide.

• Tennessee and Alabama previously met in late January in Tuscaloosa.
• Tennessee and Alabama will meet again on Saturday, February 29, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET.

What’s next

The winner of this matchup will have a strong case for a top four seed and the subsequent double-bye in the SEC Tournament.