Tennessee (17-2) at Auburn (17-1)
- When: Jan 25 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Neville Arena, Auburn, AL, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Preview
Top-ranked Auburn prepares for one of its most challenging matchups of the season as No. 6 Tennessee travels to Alabama for a prime-time SEC showdown on Saturday night. With Auburn favored by 5.5 points and the total set at 140.5, this game promises to deliver high stakes and plenty of betting intrigue.
The Tigers (17-1, 5-0 SEC) enter this matchup riding a 10-game winning streak despite the absence of their star forward, Johni Broome. Broome, who leads the team in scoring (17.9 PPG), rebounding (10.7 RPG), and assists (3.3 APG), remains sidelined with an ankle sprain. Auburn has managed to maintain momentum without him, crushing Mississippi State and narrowly surviving a 70-68 nail-biter against Georgia last weekend.
In Broome’s absence, Chad Baker-Mazara and Tahaad Pettiford have stepped up. Pettiford shined in the Georgia game, knocking down 5-of-7 from beyond the arc for 24 points, while Baker-Mazara contributed 13 points and six rebounds. Alongside Miles Kelly, Denver Jones, and Chaney Johnson, Auburn’s offense remains balanced and dangerous.
Despite these efforts, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl emphasized the difficulty of competing without their top player. “It’s tough in this league without your best player,” Pearl said. While Broome’s return is uncertain, the Tigers will need another collective effort to handle Tennessee.
The Volunteers (17-2, 4-2 SEC) have had their share of ups and downs since briefly holding the No. 1 ranking. A shocking 30-point loss to Florida on Jan. 7 triggered a rough stretch, with star guard Chaz Lanier scoring 10 points or fewer in three consecutive games. However, Lanier bounced back with 17 points in a narrow 76-75 loss to Vanderbilt and followed it up with 23 points in a 68-56 win over Mississippi State.
Lanier remains the driving force for Tennessee, averaging 18.4 points per game, significantly outpacing teammates Zakai Zeigler (12.2 PPG, 7.6 APG), Jordan Gainey (11.2 PPG), and Igor Milicic Jr. (10.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG). Tennessee’s defense will be key as they look to disrupt Auburn’s offense and capitalize on any weaknesses.
Prediction:
Auburn’s undefeated home record and balanced scoring give them a significant edge, especially with the home crowd backing them. However, Tennessee’s elite defense and the resurgence of Lanier make this a close contest. Expect a competitive game, but Auburn’s depth and recent momentum should allow them to cover the spread and extend their winning streak to 11 games. Final score prediction: Auburn 73, Tennessee 66.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
