What Rick Barnes said after Tennessee's blowout loss to Auburn in SEC title game

After the Tennessee Volunteers beat Kentucky on Saturday, many thought they’d cruise to an SEC Tournament title over Auburn on Sunday.

The Tigers had other plans, though, controlling the game all the way through and winning 84-64 to claim their first SEC tourney title since 1985.

After the game, Tennessee coach Rick Barnes was less than pleased with his team’s effort. As the Vols prepare for the NCAA Tournament, he questioned his team’s energy level.

Here are some of his comments from his postgame press conference:

On a lack of energy and effort:

Rick Barnes: Right from the beginning, I told the coaches I thought we looked like we were drained a little bit. And I thought the guys did everything they could do to get going before the game.

— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) March 17, 2019

Rick Barnes: "The fact is, we weren't very good."

— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) March 17, 2019

On Grant Williams’ struggles vs. Auburn:

Rick Barnes: I didn't think Grant Williams fought for his positioning. Sometimes he just wants to catch the ball 10, 12 feet from the basket.

— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) March 17, 2019

On being a No. 1 or a No. 2 seed:

Rick Barnes on the No. 1 or No. 2 seed conversation: We'll just wait and see. Regardless of the seed, the matchup, you have to go out there and play.

— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) March 17, 2019

We’ll find out where the Vols are seeded soon.