Auburn Aims to Snap Tennessee's Home Winning Streak

Tigers coach Steven Pearl previews key SEC matchup against the Volunteers

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The Auburn Tigers are on a hot streak, having won their last four SEC games, including a comeback victory against Texas. However, they face a tough test this weekend against the Tennessee Volunteers, who are also on a roll after recent road wins against Alabama and Georgia. Auburn head coach Steven Pearl acknowledges that scoring against Tennessee's stifling defense has historically been a challenge, but he is confident his team can rise to the occasion and snap the Vols' three-game home winning streak over the Tigers.

Why it matters

This SEC matchup between two hot teams could have major implications for the conference standings and NCAA Tournament seeding. Auburn is looking to prove it can win on the road against a tough Tennessee squad, while the Volunteers are aiming to solidify their status as an elite team in the SEC.

The details

Tennessee has been one of the best defensive teams in the country this season, allowing just over 69 points per game on average. The Volunteers have also excelled on the offensive glass, averaging 13.8 offensive rebounds per game, second-best in the nation. Auburn, meanwhile, has been subject to some heartbreaking losses this season, but has shown the ability to win close games, including a comeback victory against Texas. The Tigers will need to find a way to score against Tennessee's stifling defense if they want to snap the Vols' three-game home winning streak over Auburn.

  • The game is scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. CST.
  • Tennessee has won the last three matchups between the two teams in Knoxville.

The players

Steven Pearl

The head coach of the Auburn Tigers basketball team.

Ja'Kobi Gillespe

A standout guard for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.

Nate Ament

A true freshman forward for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team who recently shared SEC Player of the Week honors.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee's obviously really good at home and really good in general. They're coming off two huge wins, both on the road at Alabama and at Georgia... It kinda changed the trajectory of their season. They physically went in there and punked both teams.”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach (si.com)

“We historically haven't scored much on Tennessee. I told our guys, 'If you want to do something last year's team couldn't, score more than like 55 against them.'”

— Steven Pearl, Auburn Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This key SEC matchup between two hot teams could have major implications for the conference standings and NCAA Tournament seeding. Auburn is looking to prove it can win on the road against a tough Tennessee squad, while the Volunteers are aiming to solidify their status as an elite team in the SEC. The Tigers will need to find a way to score against Tennessee's stifling defense if they want to snap the Vols' three-game home winning streak over Auburn.