Tahaad Pettiford didn’t hold back when talking about Auburn’s matchup against Tennessee in the second round of the SEC Tournament. Much like their first game against Mississippi State, the Tigers are looking for payback after losing to the Volunteers during the regular season.
“They punked us,” the Auburn guard said. "Some things were said in the press conference, some giggles after the game, and we've seen it."
The loss to Rick Barnes’ team on Jan. 31 was the start of a five-game losing streak for Auburn, and, as in many games this season, a slow start doomed the Tigers, who trailed by 10 points at halftime.
It might also be a revenge game for Pettiford in a personal way, as the sophomore struggled in the loss in Knoxville, shooting 4-of-14 from the field, including 2-of-11 from three-point range, as he finished with 11 points and seven assists.
For Steven Pearl’s squad, handling players on the inside has been tough sledding, as the size and depth in Auburn’s frontcourt isn’t just there. That means a tough matchup against Vols’ star freshman Nate Ament, who scored 22 points while going to the free throw line 15 times in the regular-season win. Another forward, Jaylen Carey, who averages 7.3 points per game, put up 13 points against the Tigers.
Tahaad Pettiford ready for rematch against Vols
Pearl followed Pettiford in his sentiments about the first matchup.
“They punked us the first time,” the coach said. “Offensive rebounds and duck-ins were the two areas they absolutely destroyed us. We fouled too much. They're going to challenge your toughness, your manhood. You got to respond and answer the bell tomorrow because tomorrow's going to be a fight.”
The Tigers seem ready for the challenge to man up against the Vols and put their NCAA Tournament hopes on the right side of the bubble with a win.
"We're going to see who's the tougher team,” Pettiford said.