The first SEC Tournament semifinal matchup between No. 8 Tennessee and No. 3 Auburn delivered a thrilling contest, with the Volunteers securing a hard-fought 70-65 victory. Strong performances from Tennessee’s backcourt and clutch free-throw shooting allowed them to fend off a late comeback attempt by the Tigers, setting up a spot in Sunday’s championship game.
This win carried extra weight for Tennessee, as it avenged their narrow 53-51 loss to Auburn earlier in the season on January 25. Saturday’s outcome was exactly what the Volunteers needed, demonstrating their growth and resilience.
Key Victory Over Another Top Team
Tennessee’s latest triumph adds another impressive win to their resume, as they have now defeated Auburn, Florida, and Alabama—three teams currently projected as No. 1 or No. 2 seeds in the NCAA Tournament, according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi.
After the game, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes praised both teams for their effort. “It was a high-level, hard-fought game both ways,” Barnes said. “We made a run early. I don’t think in anybody’s mind they were going to make a run to get back. They’re an excellent team at pressuring to get the ball in late-game situations.”
Efficiency at the Free-Throw Line Proves Crucial
Despite attempting eight fewer shots than Auburn and struggling from beyond the arc (5-of-19), Tennessee capitalized on Auburn’s 21 personal fouls. The Volunteers were nearly flawless at the free-throw line, converting 25 of their 27 attempts. Meanwhile, Auburn struggled in this area, making just 13-of-22, which ultimately played a significant role in the final outcome.
Standout Performances from Tennessee’s Guards
Tennessee’s backcourt played a major role in securing the win. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler led the way with 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting and dished out four assists. He was also automatic from the charity stripe, going a perfect 9-for-9.
One of the game’s highlights came when Zeigler orchestrated a beautifully executed possession. He delivered a crisp pass to senior Chaz Lanier in the corner, leading to a well-executed finish under the basket by sophomore Cade Phillips.
Zeigler’s impact extended beyond his playmaking. With just over seven minutes remaining, he confidently knocked down a jumper from the top of the key—his only three-pointer of the game. That shot gave Tennessee a commanding 60-49 lead, a key moment in maintaining their advantage down the stretch.
Defensive Execution and Auburn’s Offensive Struggles
Tennessee’s defense played a crucial role in the victory, holding Auburn to 41.8% shooting from the field and a tough 6-of-21 from three-point range. Outside of Auburn’s star big man and National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome—who finished with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting—the Tigers struggled to find consistent offensive production. No other Auburn player managed to score more than 13 points.
Auburn (28-5, 15-3 SEC) entered the tournament as the SEC regular-season champion, but losing three of their last four games is not an ideal way to enter the NCAA Tournament. However, two of those three losses came against top-10 teams, so the Tigers still remain one of the country’s premier national championship contenders despite their recent skid.
Tennessee Marches On to the SEC Championship Game
Tennessee (27-6, 12-6 SEC) has now won three consecutive games and is hitting its stride at the perfect time. Their ability to dominate the rebounding battle (35-27) and convert at the free-throw line was instrumental in their success against Auburn—two critical factors for postseason success.
While Tennessee did have some late-game turnover issues, their overall performance showed signs of a team peaking at the right time. With momentum on their side, the Volunteers now turn their attention to Sunday’s SEC Championship Game, where they will face the winner of the Florida-Alabama semifinal.
As March Madness approaches, Tennessee looks like a dangerous team, playing with confidence and executing in key moments—exactly what’s needed for a deep tournament run.
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