Tennessee Basketball's SEC Tournament Journey Begins

0:00On March 8th, Tennessee basketball earned the 5th seed in the upcoming SEC tournament after dropping an 86-82 decision to Vanderbilt on senior day. The number 23 volunteers missed out on a top four spot and a double buy, settling for a Thursday opener instead of Friday. Both teams finished tie for fourth in the SEC standings, but Vanderbilt snagged the edge with a tiebreaker. The Commodores win 1-0 against third-seated Alabama, while Tennessee split that series 1-1. Records against top seeds, Florida and Arkansas didn't break the deadlock. Coach Rick Barnes stressed that tournament time brings surprises, no matter regular season form. He noted teams can catch fire or stumble unexpectedly, urging his squad to peak now. Despite a strong second half with 60 points, better rebounding, and fewer turnovers, Tennessee dug an early hole they couldn't climb out of. Keeper-formers included freshman Amari Evans with the career-high 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

1:02Redshirt sophomore J.P. Estrella posted 20 points and 10 boards for his fourth double-double. Senior Jacobi Gillespie managed 17 points, but shot poorly, and had five turnovers in his last home game. The bowl space either the 12th or 13th seed are March 12th at about 3.30 p.m. Eastern time in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. A win sets up a quarter-final rematch with fourth seeded Vanderbilt, giving them a shot to turn things around in postseason play.