Tennessee Basketball Faces Top-Ranked Auburn: Updates from Neville Arena
The most anticipated college basketball game of the year is underway at Neville Arena, where No. 6 Tennessee clashes with No. 1 Auburn in a high-stakes showdown. The Vols, fresh off a victory over Mississippi State, aim to overcome their road losses to Florida and Vanderbilt this season. Auburn, with only one loss to Duke and a flawless SEC record, looks to defend its home court. Star big man Johni Broome’s availability remains uncertain, pending a game-time decision.
Updates:
3:12 2H: Chaz Lanier sinks a transition three-pointer, putting Tennessee ahead. Auburn’s Bruce Pearl calls a timeout.
4:40 2H: Jordan Gainey ties the game with a clutch triple from the top of the key, halting Auburn’s 5-0 run.
7:34 2H: Officials review a play that left Auburn’s Chris Moore injured, triggering a media timeout. Score tied at 38-38.
9:41 2H: Gainey drills a corner three off the inbound, reclaiming the lead for Tennessee.
11:57 2H: Lanier nails Tennessee’s first three-pointer of the night, breaking a rough shooting streak. Score tied at 33-33.
12:50 2H: Dylan Cardwell calls a timeout after getting trapped. Auburn gains momentum following a Pettiford and-one. Auburn leads 31-30.
15:52 2H: Tennessee edges ahead at the second half’s first media timeout, thanks to Jahmai Mashack’s impactful plays. Tennessee leads 28-26.
Halftime: Auburn holds a narrow 22-20 lead after a defensive battle.
3:56 1H: A whistle stops play for the first half’s final media timeout. Both teams struggle to find offensive rhythm. Score tied at 16-16.
7:57 1H: Lanier fouls but responds with a dunk to tie the game. Broome’s wing three-pointer restores Auburn’s lead at 13-10.
11:54 1H: Stifling defenses dominate, but Auburn’s energy gives them a slight edge. Auburn leads 8-5.
13:58 1H: Darlinstone Dubar’s free throw gives Tennessee its first lead.
14:47 1H: Zakai Zeigler connects with Felix Okpara for a lob, marking Tennessee’s first field goal.
-15:11 1H: Sloppy offense results in just six total points in the first five minutes. Auburn leads 4-2.
17:55 1H: Zeigler’s free throws put Tennessee on the board.
-19:41 1H: Cardwell scores the game’s first points with a putback slam.
-20:00 1H: Cardwell wins the tip-off, giving Auburn the first possession.
Starters:
-Tennessee: Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jahmai Mashack, Igor Milicic Jr., Felix Okpara
– **Auburn:** Denver Jones, Kelly Miles, Chad Baker-Mazara, Chaney Johnson, Dylan Cardwell
Stay tuned for more live updates as the game unfolds.
