Tennessee (2-6) vs Auburn (28-4)
- When: Mar 15 2025, 1:00 PM
- Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Auburn vs. Tennessee Betting Preview & Prediction
Spread: Auburn -4.5 | Total: 140.5
The SEC Tournament semifinals bring a high-stakes showdown between No. 3 Auburn and No. 8 Tennessee, two powerhouse programs that have been near the top of the national rankings all season. With elite talent on both sides, this game could be a defensive slugfest featuring two of the best defensive teams in the conference.
Auburn: Can the Tigers Clean Up Turnovers?
The Tigers (28-4) took care of business in the quarterfinals against Ole Miss (62-57), but their offense looked shaky. While SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome (18.6 PPG, 10.6 RPG) dominated with 23 points and 15 rebounds, Auburn’s 15 turnovers nearly cost them the game.
Head coach Bruce Pearl acknowledged his team’s struggles but remains confident in their defensive prowess.
“Johni just carries us. He puts us on his shoulders and he’s one of the best competitors I’ve ever seen.”
Auburn held Ole Miss to its lowest point total of the season, led by SEC All-Defense guard Denver Jones, but against Tennessee, sloppy ball-handling won’t be forgiven.
Key Factor: Auburn only beat Tennessee by two points (53-51) in their lone regular-season matchup, relying on a clutch 3-pointer from Miles Kelly to seal the win. They can’t afford another mistake-filled performance against the Vols’ relentless defensive pressure.
Tennessee: Offensive Firepower Meets Defensive Grit
While Auburn struggled to score, Tennessee (26-6) lit up the scoreboard in an 83-72 quarterfinal win over Texas.
SEC Newcomer of the Year Chaz Lanier (23 points) set the tone early, scoring 17 of Tennessee’s first 21 points. Meanwhile, Zakai Zeigler (19 points, 230 assists this season) put on a show, breaking the Volunteers’ single-season assist record.
Zeigler, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, leads one of the nation’s top defenses. Alongside All-Defense guard Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee will force Auburn’s ball-handlers into uncomfortable situations.
Key Factor: Tennessee’s offense is clicking at the right time, scoring 80+ points in an SEC Tournament game for the first time since 2019. Auburn’s defense will test them, but the Vols are built for a physical battle.
Betting Prediction: Tennessee Covers & the Under Hits
This game comes down to Tennessee’s pressure defense vs. Auburn’s ball security. If the Tigers continue to turn the ball over, the Vols will capitalize.
Tennessee has the defensive edge and more scoring momentum
Auburn’s offense looked shaky in the quarterfinals
The first matchup was a defensive battle (53-51 final score)
Final call: Tennessee +4.5 & Under 140.5.
Expect a gritty, low-scoring game where Auburn struggles to separate and Tennessee keeps it close until the final buzzer.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
