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Tennessee basketball’s 2022 SEC Tournament rooting guide

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 9, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey entertains the crowd during the second half against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey entertains the crowd during the second half against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Ben Howland (right) talks with forward Garrison Brooks (10) and guard Iverson Molinar (1) during a timeout during the second half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Ben Howland (right) talks with forward Garrison Brooks (10) and guard Iverson Molinar (1) during a timeout during the second half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Mississippi St. Bulldogs (10-seed) over South Carolina Gamecocks (7-seed)

Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m. ET

The only reason this game is so high up here is because Tennessee basketball will face the winer the next day. By being the Vols’ first opponent, it’s naturally going to be relevant. However, in terms of the team posing the biggest threat to the Vols, their potential is roughly the same.

In terms of how they fared against these foes, the Vols swept the South Carolina Gamecocks, winning each game by 20 or more points. They played Mississippi State once and only won by nine, but it was on the road, and Ben Howland’s team is very tough in Starkville.

Also, these teams aren’t the same as they were when they played the Vols. Mississippi State is reeling after likely costing its chance at the NCAA Tournament with two close losses last week at home to Auburn and Texas A&M. South Carolina, meanwhile, has won five of seven, only losing to Alabama and Auburn.

Two and a half weeks ago, South Carolina beat Mississippi State. As a result, with South Carolina hotter and Howland on the hot seat, Mississippi State would be an easier matchup for Tennessee basketball in general. Vol fans should root for them. If not for the fact that they play the winner the next round, though, this game would be last on this list.

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