Auburn coach Bruce Pearl believes winning on road is difficult for SEC team after beating “great team” Tennessee

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl has called No. 6 Tennessee a great team after his No. 1-ranked squad narrowly beat the visiting Volunteers 53-51 on Saturday. Speaking with the Field of 68 podcast team after the win, Pearl also said that he doesn't think anybody is going to beat the Vols at home this season.

"We beat a great team," Pearl said. "Our guys were in the locker room talking about how good they were. (That) doesn't happen very often. ... Our kids really left that game going, 'Oh ... Tennessee's really good.'"

Bruce Pearl and Auburn defeat Tennessee in defensive battle

Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers remain undefeated in conference play after a gritty 53-51 win over Tennessee in a defensive showdown on Saturday. The win marks the Tigers' seventh win over a ranked opponent this season, setting a program record.

Offense was hard to come by in the first half, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Each team hit only seven shots, combining for a dismal 1-for-21 performance from beyond the arc. Johni Broome, Auburn's standout forward, carried the Tigers with nine of their 22 first-half points.

The second half was just as tight, with neither team able to pull away. Auburn's largest lead was five points, but Tennessee quickly tied it at 45-45. In the final minutes, the Vols pushed ahead 51-47 with two minutes left, but Auburn responded with a crucial sequence that changed the game.

Broome attacked the basket but had his shot blocked. However, he recovered the ball, stayed inbounds and kicked it out to Miles Kelly, who sank a clutch corner 3-pointer to put Auburn ahead by one with 30 seconds remaining.

Tahaad Pettiford was fouled and went to the line, where he hit one of two free throws, giving Tennessee the ball with 12 seconds to play. After a timeout, the Vols put the game in the hands of veteran guard Zakai Zeigler, who launched a three-pointer for the win. Zeigler, who was 0 of 6 from beyond the arc, missed, and Auburn secured the rebound as time expired.

The teams shot 31.0% (Auburn) and 31.5% (Tennessee) and less than 18.5% from 3-point range in a game dominated by defense. Backed by a roaring sold-out crowd at Neville Arena, Bruce Pearl’s Tigers held on to secure their 11th straight victory.

Auburn (18-1, 6-0 SEC) will now head to LSU (12-7, 1-5) on Wednesday to defend its No. 1 ranking. Meanwhile, Tennessee (17-3, 4-3) returns to Knoxville for a crucial homestand against No. 9 Kentucky (14-5, 3-3) and No. 5 Florida (18-2, 5-2) next week.