Knoxville, Tennessee In a pivotal SEC game, the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team is preparing to play the Auburn Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena, also referred to as “The Summitt” in honor of renowned coach Pat Summitt.

 In the heart of Southeastern Conference country, where women’s basketball pride runs deep and every game can shape a season, a pivotal matchup is brewing. The Tennessee Lady Volunteers are set to host the Auburn Tigers at Thompson-Boling Arena—affectionately known as “The Summitt”—in a game that could define the trajectory of both programs as the regular season winds down.

The legacy of Pat Summitt looms large over every game played on this court. With her name etched into the arena and her influence embedded in the culture of Lady Vols basketball, the stakes always feel higher under the bright lights of Knoxville. But this week, those stakes are tangible. With SEC tournament seeding, NCAA implications, and pride all on the line, Tennessee’s clash with Auburn promises intensity, emotion, and no shortage of drama.

At this juncture in the season, both Tennessee and Auburn find themselves at crossroads. The Lady Vols (17-9, 9-5 SEC) have shown flashes of brilliance but have also endured bouts of inconsistency that have prevented them from securing a top spot in the conference. After a tough road loss to LSU, head coach Kellie Harper emphasized the need for urgency and composure down the stretch.

“We’ve got to lock in on who we are and play Lady Vol basketball,” Harper said during a media availability session this week. “That means defense-first, disciplined execution, and being relentless in the paint.”

Auburn, meanwhile, comes into Knoxville with a 15-11 (5-9 SEC) record, seeking to play spoiler and boost its postseason résumé. Head coach Johnnie Harris has quietly rebuilt the Tigers into a scrappy, defensive-minded squad that has pulled off some notable wins this season, including a hard-fought upset over Mississippi State.

“Every game in this league is a battle,” Harris remarked. “And we know going into The Summitt, we’ll need to play our best game of the year.”

There’s something special about Thompson-Boling Arena, especially when the Lady Vols are playing well. With a seating capacity of over 21,000, it’s one of the largest venues in women’s college basketball. But it’s not just the size—it’s the spirit. Renamed “The Summitt” in 2012 to honor Pat Summitt’s legendary career, the arena represents a cathedral of excellence.

For senior guard Jasmine Powell, the upcoming Auburn game is more than just another conference matchup.

“You can feel it—every time you step on that floor, you’re playing for something bigger than yourself,” Powell said. “This program has a standard, and we want to uphold it. Coach Summitt set the bar, and we’re trying to reach it.”

Tennessee’s home-court advantage has been vital this season. The Lady Vols are 11-2 at home, feeding off the energy of a passionate fanbase that ranks among the nation’s most loyal.

One of the defining battles of the night will come in the paint. Tennessee center Tamari Key, who returned this season after missing time due to health issues, anchors the Lady Vols’ defense. At 6’6”, her presence alters shots and clogs driving lanes.

“I feel like I’m finally getting my rhythm back,” Key said. “This is the time of year when it’s all about grit and hustle.”

Key will be tasked with slowing down Auburn’s leading scorer, Aicha Coulibaly. The senior forward averages 16.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, and her high motor makes her a constant threat on both ends of the court.

Coulibaly’s ability to stretch the floor and attack from the high post could pose problems for Tennessee’s size inside. If she can pull Key away from the basket, it may open up cutting lanes and offensive rebounding opportunities for the Tigers.

Tennessee’s backcourt is among the deepest in the SEC, with Jordan Walker and Tess Darby providing stability, outside shooting, and veteran leadership. Darby, in particular, has been a bright spot from beyond the arc, shooting 38.7% on the season.

Auburn’s guards, including Honesty Scott-Grayson, will be tested by Tennessee’s size and switching defense. Scott-Grayson is capable of explosive scoring runs but will need to minimize turnovers—a key factor that has plagued Auburn in close games.

Both teams like to push the tempo, but Tennessee has the edge when it comes to transition execution. With Rickea Jackson capable of filling lanes and finishing in traffic, Auburn will have to be deliberate in their shot selection and floor balance to avoid giving up easy fast-break buckets.

Bench play may ultimately swing the outcome. Lady Vols reserve forward Karoline Striplin has shown the ability to spark momentum with her rebounding and energy. Auburn’s Jala Jordan, a stretch-four option, could be a difference-maker if she gets hot from midrange.

For Tennessee, this is a must-win game if they want to maintain positioning for a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament, which comes with a crucial double-bye. After climbing into the AP Top 25 earlier in the season, the Lady Vols have danced on the bubble’s edge in terms of a strong NCAA seeding.

“We need to take care of business at home,” Harper said. “Every possession matters in March, and that starts now.”

Auburn, on the other hand, sees this as a golden opportunity to earn a signature road win that could impress the NCAA Selection Committee. Though the Tigers are on the fringe of the bubble, a win at The Summitt would be a statement of intent.

Historically, the Lady Vols have dominated this series, holding a 48-10 all-time advantage. However, recent games have been more competitive. Last season’s contest saw Tennessee survive a late Auburn surge to win 68-65.

This year’s game could be just as tight, especially given the urgency on both sidelines.

From a broader perspective, the matchup also serves as a barometer of program direction. Tennessee, trying to restore its place among the sport’s elite, continues its post-Summitt evolution under Harper. Auburn, under Harris, is clawing back to relevance after years of struggling in the SEC cellar.

No game preview at The Summitt would be complete without acknowledging the enduring legacy of Pat Summitt. Her presence isn’t just remembered—it’s lived. Her quotes line the tunnel leading to the court. Her stare, immortalized in murals and statues, watches over warmups and timeouts alike.

“She’s still coaching us, in a way,” Jackson said. “We hear her voice in the way we’re taught to play the game—with toughness, with class, with heart.”

Summitt’s legacy is also evident in the growth of the women’s game. As one of its greatest pioneers, her impact extends far beyond Knoxville. And when national attention turns to this game, it’s not just a clash of SEC foes—it’s a celebration of everything Pat Summitt built.

• Dominate the boards and limit second-chance points.
• Contain Coulibaly without getting into foul trouble.
• Execute in the half court and avoid rushed perimeter shots.

Auburn Must:

• Minimize turnovers and value possessions.
• Knock down open threes to stretch Tennessee’s defense.
• Get early production from their bench.

With postseason positioning on the line and the memory of Pat Summitt looming large, expect the Lady Vols to come out focused and aggressive. Auburn will battle and likely keep things close with its physicality and fight, but Tennessee’s depth and home-court advantage should prevail.