The Alabama Crimson Tide, while awaiting the start of its SEC Tournament game with the Florida Gators, took in the final moments of Tennessee’s win over Auburn.

It was an interesting dynamic as Nate Oats’ team watched its two biggest rivals square off, but there was little reaction from Crimson Tide players as the final seconds ticked off of the SEC semifinal game.

Labarron Philon, the freshman from Mobile, was front and center and gave a smile, but it may not have been a result of the outcome of the game.

No doubt the Tide was locked in for its semifinal game with the Gators, who beat Alabama 99-94 just 10 days ago.

Zakai Zeigler scored 20 points as No. 8 Tennessee held off regular-season champion and third-ranked Auburn 70-65 to reach conference championship game for the first time since 2022.

The fourth-seeded Volunteers got revenge both for their Jan. 25 loss at Auburn and their 2019 loss to the Tigers in this tournament’s title game.

Tennessee will play either fourth-ranked Florida or No. 5 Alabama on Sunday for the tournament title.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.