#4 Seed Tennessee Vols Basketball Opens SEC Tournament Against Texas

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#4 Seed Tennessee Vols Basketball Opens SEC Tournament Against Texas

The Tennessee Volunteers, holding the No. 4 seed, are set to commence their Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament journey against the 13th-seeded Texas Longhorns. The quarterfinal matchup is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Central Time (3:30 p.m. Eastern Time) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Tennessee Volunteers’ Season Overview

Under the guidance of head coach Rick Barnes, now in his tenth year, the Volunteers have compiled an impressive 25-6 overall record, including a 12-6 mark in SEC play. This performance secured them the fourth seed in the tournament and a double-bye into the quarterfinals.

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Notably, Tennessee clinched the Bahamas Championship earlier in the season, adding a prestigious accolade to their campaign.

Texas Longhorns’ Path to the Quarterfinals

The Texas Longhorns, with a 19-14 overall record and a 6-12 conference record, entered the SEC Tournament as the 13th seed. They showcased resilience in the second round by edging out No. 14 Texas A&M in a thrilling double-overtime contest, winning 94-89. Tre Johnson led the charge with 20 points, while Tramon Mark added 15 points. This victory propelled them into the quarterfinals against Tennessee.

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Tournament Context and Implications

This year’s SEC Tournament is particularly significant, as the conference is poised to break the record for the most NCAA Tournament bids by a single conference. Projections suggest that the SEC could secure up to 13 bids, surpassing the previous record held by the Big East with 11 bids. Teams like Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky have been standout performers, with Auburn and Florida expected to receive No. 1 seeds.

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Matchup Details

  • Date & Time: Friday, March 14, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m. Central Time (3:30 p.m. Eastern Time)
  • Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
  • Broadcast: The game will be televised nationally on ESPN, featuring commentators Dan Shulman (play-by-play), Jay Bilas (analyst), and Jess Sims (reporter).
    texaslonghorns.com

Looking Ahead

The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will advance to the semifinals, bringing them one step closer to securing the SEC Tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Given the depth and competitiveness of the SEC this season, each game holds substantial weight in shaping the tournament landscape.

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