PHILADELPHIA , PA.—Tennessee freshman Nate Ament said he is “feeling a little sore” after the Volunteers’ 78-56 win over Miami of Ohio in the NCAA Tournament.
Ament, who missed the final two regular-season games due to injury, continues to rehab the injury he sustained in a Feb. rematch against Alabama. In the first round of the tournament, the injury soreness reemerged.
He briefly left in the second half and when he returned, he remained on the bench.
Ament exited the court after “a couple close outs that were a little iffy,” indicating the discomfort developed during defensive possessions rather than a single play.
He returned to the bench and said he hoped to re-enter later in the half.
“I did want to come back in the game after the 8-minute mark,” Ament said. “But we were already up 20 and our athletic trainer and our strength coaches decided it was best for me to get started on the recovery process.”
The decision was precautionary, especially with Tennessee holding a comfortable lead late.
Ament said the extra recovery time should help as the Vols prepare for their next game Sunday against Virginia in the second round.
“For sure,” he said. “I’m glad I don’t really need to be on the court every second for this team to win because we have such a good team.”
Ament played 19 minutes and finished 0-3 from the field, three rebounds, and 3 turnovers.
