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Alabama will meet Tennessee in the semi-finals of the SEC men’s basketball tournament on Saturday.
The game will begin at 12 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN.
Fourth-seeded Tennessee defeated fifth-seeded Florida, 78-66, in the quarterfinals on Friday. Seeded Alabama defeated ninth-seeded Mississippi State 85-48 in one of the most lopsided games in SEC tournament history.
Tennessee forward John Fulkerson left Friday’s game after being elbowed in the head by Omar Payne of the Gators, who was sent off. Flights coach Rick Barnes said Fulkerson was taken to hospital for observation and added that his “instinct” was that he would be surprised if Fulkerson could play against Alabama.
The winner of Saturday’s match will play Sunday’s league match at noon. The Tide hasn’t made it past the semi-finals since 2002, and hasn’t won the SEC tournament since 1991.
Alabama and Tennessee met once in the regular season, when Alabama upset the no. 7 classified flights in Knoxville on January 2.
“It was one of the first games where we were down and weren’t sure how to react,” Barnes said. “I think they got better. I would like to think that we have improved.
It was Alabama’s first road victory over a Top 10-ranked opponent since 2004.
“We all remember the first game,” said goalkeeper Santiago Vescovi. “It was not good for us. I think for everyone on our team it’s always in our head. We are still thinking about it. I think it can help us for motivation for the next game. We know it will be a battle, but we just have to be proud of every possession.
Forward Yves Pons added: “I think it’s a good challenge. Really good team. They beat us the first time. We must take revenge. I can’t wait to play tomorrow. We will be ready for them.
The last tournament reunion between the Tide and the Vols was in 2013, when Alabama won in the quarterfinals.
Mike Rodak is an Alabama Beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on twitter @mikerodak.
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