Texas (19-14) vs Tennessee (25-6)
- When: Mar 14 2025, 3:30 PM
- Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
SEC Tournament Quarterfinals: Tennessee vs. Texas
Tennessee: A Defensive Juggernaut on a Mission
Tennessee enters the SEC tournament as a legitimate contender to make a deep run in March Madness, but first, they’ll need to take care of business against Texas. Ranked No. 8 in the country and holding the fourth seed in the SEC tournament, the Volunteers (25-6) closed the regular season strong with a 75-65 win over South Carolina and now look to impose their will on a Texas team playing its third game in three days.
The Vols’ offense runs through Zakai Zeigler, who averages 13.1 points and 7.5 assists per game. He’s just four assists away from breaking Tennessee’s single-season record, but more importantly, he’s the floor general that makes this team go.
Head coach Rick Barnes has a history of maximizing small, high-IQ point guards, and Zeigler is proving to be no exception.
“He just plays at a high level,” Barnes said. “Seems like he never gets tired.”
Alongside Zeigler, Chaz Lanier (17.9 ppg) leads the scoring attack, while Jordan Gainey (10.9 ppg) and Igor Milicic (10.2 ppg) provide secondary scoring options.
But the real identity of Tennessee is its defense. The Volunteers rank 17th nationally in blocked shots per game (5.1) and thrive on physicality, a style that could wear down a Texas squad that just endured a double-overtime battle the night before.
With their defensive intensity, depth, and fresher legs, Tennessee has a clear edge in this matchup.
Texas: Running on Fumes or Finding Magic?
Texas has already exceeded expectations in this tournament, but the question is: Do they have anything left in the tank?
The Longhorns (19-14) fought through back-to-back wins, including a grueling 94-89 double-overtime thriller against Texas A&M on Thursday night. Six players scored in double figures, and freshman sensation Tre Johnson dropped 20 points, including the game-winning three in the second overtime.
Johnson, who averages 20.1 ppg, has been Texas’ offensive catalyst. But after logging 38 minutes against Vanderbilt and 44 minutes against Texas A&M, fatigue could play a major role in Friday’s game.
“Biggest thing for me is getting a good night’s rest,” Johnson said after the win. “I feel like that’s been helping me out. I got a lot of gas in the tank. I wasn’t too tired out there, especially going double overtime. Haven’t done that before.”
Head coach Rodney Terry believes his team deserves an NCAA Tournament bid, and another big win could solidify their case.
“We have star power,” Terry said. “We’re playing well. I think all that matters.”
But can Texas hold up against Tennessee’s elite defense and fresh legs?
Betting Outlook: Tennessee’s Defense and Rested Legs Give Them the Edge
Tennessee has a massive advantage in this spot. While Texas is riding momentum, the physical and mental exhaustion from back-to-back games—especially after a double-overtime war—can’t be ignored.
Expect Tennessee to set the tone early with suffocating defense, slowing down the Longhorns’ attack and forcing them into low-percentage shots. If Texas falls behind early, they may not have enough left to mount a comeback against one of the nation’s top defensive teams.
Prediction:
Tennessee wins and covers (-10)
Game leans toward the Under (136.0) as Texas struggles to break through Tennessee’s defense
The Vols advance to face either Auburn or Ole Miss in the semifinals
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
