Tennessee basketball had a rough start to the postseason, playing their worst game of the season against Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament. The top-seeded Vols struggled to shoot and defend, resulting in a 73-56 loss to the No. 9-seeded Bulldogs. This loss eliminates them from the chase for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. With their lowest-scoring game of the season, Tennessee will enter the NCAA Tournament on a two-game losing streak and is projected to be a No. 2 seed.

Tennessee had a dismal first half, scoring only 19 points. They shot 2-for-18 on 3-pointers and struggled with turnovers. The Vols had five turnovers in a span of less than three minutes. The half ended with a turnover that led to a Mississippi State dunk, putting the Bulldogs up 38-19 at halftime.

Instead of relying on 3-pointers, Mississippi State took advantage of Tennessee's weak defense inside the paint. They scored 28 points in the paint in the first half, shooting 12-for-15 at the rim. The Bulldogs had multiple three-point plays and powerful dunks.

Tennessee had a difficult time making 3-pointers, especially in the first half. They made only three of their first 23 attempts. Zakai Zeigler, who scored a team-high 20 points, missed his first seven attempts before finding his rhythm in the second half.

Tennessee will now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament. They will find out their seeding, opponent, and location on Selection Sunday. Despite the disappointing loss in the SEC Tournament, the Vols will look to bounce back and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.