Tennessee led by as many as 16 points in the second half before Arkansas tied the game with just under two minutes to go in the game. Brian Williams, who had left the game in the second half with an eye injury, returned to the game just in time to make the go ahead basket for the Volunteers. Arkansas turned it over on their next possession and never had an opportunity to get off a shot that would have tied the game. The Volunteers sealed the game from the free throw line, winning by a final margin of 74-68.
Tennessee standout freshman Tobias Harris led the Vols with 20 big points. Melvin Goins added 12 points for the Vols. Rotnei Clarke led the way for the Razorbacks with 18 points while Delvon Thompson added 15 points and eight rebounds for Arkansas.
This win sets up a match-up between the Vols and SEC regular season champ Florida. The Gators won both meetings this season in very close fashion. Florida won the first meeting over Tennessee in Knoxville 81-75 in overtime. The Gators won in Gainesville by the slimmest of margins 61-60. Expect Billy Donovon's club to receive a spirited effort from Bruce Pearl and the Volunteers as they look to avoid the rare three game SEC sweep.
For more on this game, Tennessee fans should join Rocky Top Talk, and Arkansas fans should stop by Arkansas Expats.
Updated 2011 SEC Tournament Bracket (all times EST):
Thursday, March 10
- Georgia def. Auburn, 69-51
- Ole Miss def. South Carolina, 66-55
- Tennessee def. Arkansas, 74-68
- Vanderbilt vs. LSU, 9:45 pm ET
Friday, March 11
- Alabama vs. Georgia, 1 pm ET
- Kentucky vs. Ole Miss, 3:30 pm ET
- Florida vs. Tennessee 7:30 pm ET
- Mississippi State vs. Vanderbilt/LSU, 9:45 pm ET
Saturday, March 12
- Alabama/Georgia vs. Kentucky/Ole Miss, 1 pm ET, ABC
- Florida/Tennessee vs. Mississippi State/Vanderbilt/LSU, 3:30 pm ET, ABC
Sunday, March 12
- Championship, 1 pm ET, ABC