Lady Vols face tough draw in SEC Tournament after back-to-back tough losses

The Lady Vols will have a tough road ahead if they want to win the women's SEC Tournament this year. Tennessee's recent struggles could not come at a worse time, with back-to-back losses to end the regular season. 

That doesn't mean Tennessee won't be able to make a run in the SEC Tournament, though. The SEC has released the tournament bracket, and the Lady Vols are scheduled to play their first-round game on March 5.

Back-to-back losses, including a loss to Georgia, who is 4-12 in conference play, hurt Tennessee and prevented them from having a first-round bye in the SEC Tournament. 

The Lady Vols will play the worst team in the league, Texas A&M, in their first-round matchup, but it will be a fight to win every game after that, with guaranteed matchups against No. 8 Vanderbilt and No. 1 South Carolina on deck.

Tennessee played all three opponents in the regular season. The Lady Vols beat Texas A&M early in conference play but lost to both Vanderbilt and South Carolina. 

It is possible Tennessee will overcome those close losses and find a way to win in the tournament, but it will be an uphill battle. 

If Tennessee can win those two games, it will likely face No. 4 Kentucky in a rematch of last week's 82-58 blowout loss. 

The SEC Tournament will take place from March 5 to March 9. The Lady Vols will play their first game on March 5 at 10:00 AM ET to kick off the tournament festivities at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.