Nate Ament injury: Tennessee star will miss Tuesday's game vs. South Carolina after hurting right leg
CBS Sports
by
Austin Nivison
March 3, 2026
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Tennessee star freshman Nate Ament will miss Tuesday night’s game against South Carolina due to a leg injury sustained during Saturday’s loss to Alabama. The extent of his injury is still unclear as he continues to undergo evaluation following an MRI. Ament left the game in the first half after getting tangled with Alabama players while diving for a loose ball and was limited to just 11 minutes overall. Assistant coach Justin Gainey stated that the team is awaiting further information on his condition, with no timetable set for his return.
Ament’s injury comes at a crucial time for Tennessee, as they prepare for their regular-season finale against South Carolina and subsequent SEC Tournament in Nashville. The five-star freshman has been a key player for the Volunteers this season, averaging 17.4 points and leading the team in rebounds per game (6.4). His absence will test Tennessee’s scoring depth, particularly with leading scorer Ja’Kobi Gillespie already shouldering a heavy load. Ament’s limited availability during February had seen him struggle initially before finding his stride, making his potential absence even more significant for the program.
The injury not only impacts Tennessee’s immediate game against South Carolina but also casts uncertainty over their readiness for the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, where they are currently projected as a No. 5 seed. With Ament’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, his recovery is critical for the Volunteers’ postseason hopes. His absence could force other players to step up, putting additional pressure on the team’s remaining roster as they aim to maintain their momentum heading into the tournaments.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026