The Tennessee Volunteers take on the Auburn Tigers and former head coach Bruce Pearl on Tuesday night in Knoxville. Who comes out on top between these two potential NCAA Tournament teams?
TV Schedule: Tuesday, Jan. 2, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU
Arena: Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, Tennessee
Two of the most underrated teams in college basketball go head-to-head in Knoxville on Tuesday night, as the Auburn Tigers travel to face the Tennessee Volunteers.
Tennessee, who just lost to an extremely talented Arkansas Razorbacks’ team on the road in overtime by just two points, will be looking for a strong, bounce-back home win. This team already boasts the resume to easily make the NCAA Tournament, but, if we know anything about the Selection Committee, it’s that they hate mid-majors and SEC schools. Tennessee needs to get it done at home if they are to guarantee their spot in the Big Dance.
Auburn, on the other hand, has done nothing but win since their surprising loss to the Temple Owls. That’s 10 straight wins before heading to Knoxville, including great wins over the MTSU Blue Raiders and UAB Blazers, as well as road wins over the Dayton Flyers and Murray State Racers. Yes, this team looks NCAA Tournament-bound, but a win on the road over a ranked Tennessee team could be just the marquee win this team needs in March.
It is hard to see any other outcome than a Tennessee win at this point, even with Auburn streaking. The Vols are coming off a loss in a game that they will feel they should have won, they will be at home, and ex-coach Bruce Pearl is leading the Tigers. Emotions will be high and that usually works in the home team’s favor.
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If Tennessee stays out of foul trouble, the Vols should win. If the Tigers can get the Volunteers in foul trouble, then they could steal a victory in East Tennessee.
Prediction: Tennessee 78, Auburn 70