Quick Read
- Auburn’s four-game winning streak was snapped by Tennessee with a 77-69 defeat.
- The game took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville.
- Tennessee led throughout the game, never allowing Auburn to take the lead.
- Nate Ament led Tennessee with 22 points; Keyshawn Hall led Auburn with 21 points.
- Auburn remains winless at Tennessee’s home court since 2020.
KNOXVILLE (Azat TV) – The Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team saw its four-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as they fell to the Tennessee Volunteers 77-69 at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. The defeat marked Steven Pearl’s first trip to his alma mater as a head coach and extended Auburn’s winless streak on Tennessee’s home court to six years, with their last victory there dating back to 2020.
Tennessee (15-6, 5-3 SEC) asserted control from the outset, never trailing in the contest. The Volunteers showcased dominance on the glass and efficient shooting early in the game, establishing a significant advantage by halftime. Auburn (14-8, 5-4 SEC) attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, outscoring Tennessee 38-36, but was unable to erase the Volunteers’ initial lead, coming no closer than three points.
Tennessee’s Commanding First Half Performance
The Volunteers’ strong start proved insurmountable for the Tigers. By halftime, Tennessee had built a 41-31 lead, largely due to superior rebounding and effective perimeter shooting. The team was plus-13 in the rebound margin, securing 26 total rebounds compared to Auburn’s 13, including 10 offensive boards. From beyond the arc, Tennessee shot 50% (4-for-8) in the first half, while overall shooting 45.2% from the field.
Auburn, by contrast, struggled to find an offensive rhythm early, shooting just 37.9% from the field and 23.1% from three-point range in the first half. The Tigers’ head coach, Steven Pearl, called an early timeout just over a minute into the game after Tennessee jumped to a 5-0 lead, signaling the Volunteers’ immediate intensity.
Key Player Performances and Statistics
For Auburn, forward Keyshawn Hall delivered a notable performance, leading the team with 21 points. Guard Tahaad Pettiford contributed 13 points, primarily in the second half, as Auburn attempted to close the gap. However, the collective effort was not enough to counter Tennessee’s balanced attack.
Tennessee was spearheaded by freshman forward Nate Ament, who scored a game-high 22 points. Ament’s efficiency at the free throw line was crucial, as he converted 12 of 15 attempts despite shooting 25% from the field. Guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a senior, also contributed significantly to the Volunteers’ offense. Tennessee’s defensive prowess was evident throughout the game; the team entered the matchup ranked first in the SEC in points allowed, averaging 69.8 points per game, a statistic that held true against Auburn, as reported by Auburn Wire.
Auburn’s Road Struggles Persist
The loss to Tennessee extends Auburn’s challenging history when playing in Knoxville, where they have secured only nine road wins in 60 matchups against the Volunteers all-time. This particular game was anticipated to be difficult for Auburn, with analytics site KenPom giving the Tigers only a 31% chance of winning, predicting a 78-72 victory for Tennessee, as noted by USA Today Auburn Wire.
Despite Auburn’s recent four-game winning streak, which included victories over South Carolina, Ole Miss, Florida, and Texas, their inability to overcome Tennessee’s home-court advantage highlights a persistent hurdle. The Volunteers, with a strong 10-1 home record prior to this game, demonstrated their capability to defend their territory against a surging opponent.
The outcome underscores Tennessee’s consistent strength at home and its defensive capabilities, which effectively stifled Auburn’s offensive momentum and halted their longest winning streak of the season.