Tennessee defeated top-seeded Auburn 80-75 to reach the SEC Tournament Championship Game.
The volunteers raised the defensive notch in the second half to build a double-digit lead. The Tigers responded and cut them into three, but Tennessee eventually hid them.
The loss was third in Auburn, who was third in the last four games. The Tigers (28-5) won 20 of 21 games before this recent slip-up. They should still be one seed in the NCAA tournament, but they suddenly start to look beatable.
The fourth volunteer (27-6) revenges both in his defeat at Auburn on January 25th and a 2019 defeat to the Tigers in the title game of this tournament. The victory also maintains the eighth Tennessee hopes for one seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Point guard Zakai Zeigler scored 20 points for volunteers, Jordan Gainey added 15 points and Chaz Lanier added 12 points.
SEC Player of the Year Johnny Bloom led Auburn with 23 points, with Miles Kelly adding 13 points and the Denver Jones at 10.
Auburn led 33-32 at halftime thanks to a 10-0 late sprint. The Tigers last took a 48-47 lead.
Take home
Tennessee: The Vols have played in their fourth final of their past seven tournaments. They won Tampa in 2022 and lost their title game in both 2018 and 2019. They improved to 12-8 in the tournament under manager Rick Burns, who won their 833rd career victory.
Auburn: The Tigers searched for the third tournament title under manager Bruce Pearl. They not only won last year and 2019 at Pearl, but also in 1985.
Important moments
Tennessee never rose to 60-49 with 7:17 left after a 13-1 run, with three Zeiglers covered the top of the circle.
Key Statistics
The Vols have an advantage in the free throw line, including 25 of 25 and 18 of 20 in the second half. Auburn was 13 out of 22. Jamai Mashak sealed the victory with 14 seconds remaining in the final pair.
next
The top one overall seed Auburn once thought not only does he think the Tigers are gone, but he also learns the Sunday they land. Tennessee needed a buzzer beater to beat Alabama on March 1st and split from Florida during the regular season.
Report by the Associated Press.
Want to deliver great stories in your inbox? Create or log in to your Fox Sports account, follow the leagues, teams and players, and receive a personalized newsletter every day!
Get more from college basketball Get information about games, news and more according to your favorites
