NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — Tennessee overcame a sluggish first half with a dominant second to defeat Auburn 72-62 in a Southeastern Conference tournament game Thursday afternoon at Bridgestone Arena.

The Volunteers, trailing by seven at halftime, outscored the Tigers 47-30 after intermission. Nate Ament led Tennessee with 27 points. Tahaad Pettiford scored a game-high 28 points for Auburn in the losing effort.

Attendance was 15,719. Tennessee improved to 22-9 overall, while Auburn fell to 17-16.