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Auburn University fouls up the finish at Bridgestone Arena as the University of Tennessee closes

Auburn University left Nashville with a 72-62 loss to the University of Tennessee in the conference tournament, moving the Plainsmen to 0-1 while the Vols improved to 1-0. The game tipped at 3:25 PM EDT at Bridgestone Arena, where Tennessee finished with 72 and Auburn finished with 62.


Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA;  Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) shoots over Auburn Tigers forward Sebastian Williams-Adams (33) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

First half


Auburn University put up 32 in the first half while holding the University of Tennessee to 25. The Tigers built an 11-point biggest lead while collecting 13 offensive rebounds and 22 second-chance points in the game. Auburn shot 35 percent from the field and 27 percent from 3 while getting 20 points in the paint.


Second half


The University of Tennessee flipped the scoring with 47 in the second half as Auburn added 30 after the break. Tennessee got to the line for 32 free throw attempts and made 24, while Auburn went 13-for-20 at the stripe. The Vols added 15 assists and 8 steals, and Auburn finished with 12 turnovers that turned into 15 Tennessee points off turnovers.


Mar 12, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA;  Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) fakes Tennessee Volunteers guard Amari Evans (1) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Late-game swing


Tennessee’s front line erased looks with 9 blocks, and Auburn had 9 shots blocked on the day. Auburn committed 25 total fouls and also drew 11, but Tennessee’s 17 total fouls came with steadier ball control at 6 turnovers. The Auburn Tigers post-match stats showed 6 assists against 12 turnovers, while Tennessee posted an assists-to-turnover ratio of 2.5.


Key performers and context


From the previous outing, Tahaad Pettiford carried Auburn with 28 points on 50 percent shooting and 50 percent from 3, and Kevin Overton added 9 points. Keyshawn Hall contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds in that earlier game, while Elyjah Freeman logged 6 rebounds and a steal. In this Auburn Tigers vs Tennessee Volunteers tactical recap, Auburn’s 40-39 edge on the boards met Tennessee’s 43 percent shooting and 55 percent true shooting.


What it means


The Auburn Tigers vs Tennessee Volunteers highlights centered on Auburn’s second-chance scoring and Tennessee’s second-half surge behind free throws and rim protection. The Auburn Tigers full-time result read as a 72-62 setback with Tennessee’s 47-point second half deciding the outcome. Catch the next broadcast window when it hits the schedule, and run it back by sharing this article with other War Eagles fans.

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