2014 SEC Tournament, South Carolina vs. Tennessee: How to watch, TV schedule

South Carolina heads to the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament for the first time since 2009 on Friday afternoon as they face a Tennessee Volunteers team that earned the fourth seed in the SEC Tournament and has steamrolled through the latter portion of its SEC schedule, winning their last three games by a combined 93 points. The Vols will also enter the game with five days rest, as they played their last game on Saturday. Meanwhile, Carolina prepares to play its third game in three days.

Tip-off: 3:30pm ET (approx.)

TV: ESPNU or ESPN3

Location: Atlanta, GA

Tournament Preview: here.

Day 2 recap: here.

Game preview: here.

Probable starters:

South Carolina

G Sindarius Thornwell

G Brenton Williams

F Michael Carrera

F Demetrius Henry

C Mindaugas Kacinas

Tennessee

G Antonio Barton

G Jordan McRae

F Josh Richardson

F Jarnell Stokes

C Jeronne Maymon

In some ways, the Volunteers may have wanted to see Arkansas in this game, as it would've given them the chance for one more win that will be viewed as a quality victory by the NCAA Tournament committee. On the other hand, an easier game (the Gamecocks have played objectively worse than Arkansas this year, and are coming in with one more game on their legs than the Hogs would've had) means they'll get one more victory before playing a game they can't be punished for losing - Florida (assuming the Gators beat Missouri).

As for South Carolina, the season surely ends the next time they lose, so if they want to play again this season, they have to win. Also, remember:

The South Carolina Gamecocks are just 9 wins away from claiming their first national championship in men's basketball.

— ChickenHoops (@chickenhoops) March 14, 2014

The live thread starts now.