Tennessee Opens as Favorite Over Vanderbilt in Regular Season Finale

SEC Tournament seeding on the line as Volunteers host Commodores in key matchup

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Tennessee Volunteers will host the Vanderbilt Commodores in the regular season finale on Saturday, with the result having major implications for SEC Tournament seeding. Tennessee is listed as an 8.5-point favorite, though the status of star player Nate Ament remains uncertain due to a recent injury. Vanderbilt has been led by the strong play of Tyler Tanner, who is coming off a 34-point performance against Ole Miss.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for both teams' SEC Tournament seeding. A win for Tennessee would clinch a double-bye in the bracket, while a loss would complicate their positioning. For Vanderbilt, this is another opportunity to pick up a Quad 1 win and bolster their NCAA Tournament resume.

The details

Tennessee narrowly defeated Vanderbilt 69-65 in their previous matchup a couple weeks ago, with Nate Ament hitting a late go-ahead shot. Since then, Vanderbilt has gone 2-1, beating Georgia and Ole Miss while losing to Kentucky. The Commodores have been led by the strong play of Tyler Tanner, who scored 34 points in the win over Ole Miss. As for Tennessee, the status of Nate Ament remains uncertain, though head coach Rick Barnes said he could have played in the team's last game if needed.

  • The regular season finale is set for Saturday, March 6, 2026 at Food City Center.
  • Tennessee and Vanderbilt previously met two weeks ago, with the Volunteers winning 69-65.
  • Vanderbilt has gone 2-1 since that previous matchup against Tennessee.

The players

Nate Ament

A key player for Tennessee who is dealing with an injury, though he may be available to play against Vanderbilt.

Tyler Tanner

Vanderbilt's standout point guard who is coming off a 34-point performance against Ole Miss.

Duke Miles

Vanderbilt player who has settled back into a starting role after returning from injury against Tennessee two weeks ago.

Rick Barnes

Tennessee's head coach who noted Nate Ament could have played in the team's last game if needed.

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What’s next

Tennessee will hold a Friday practice where more information on Nate Ament's status will be provided. The SEC Tournament bracket will be set by Saturday night, with Selection Sunday just one week away.

The takeaway

This regular season finale between Tennessee and Vanderbilt has major implications for both teams' SEC Tournament seeding. A win for the Volunteers would clinch a double-bye, while a loss would complicate their positioning. For Vanderbilt, this is another chance to pick up a Quad 1 victory and bolster their NCAA Tournament resume.