In the SEC quarterfinals, the rested Vols take on the weary Longhorns.

In the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) men’s basketball tournament, the fourth-seeded Tennessee Volunteers (25-6, 12-6 SEC) are set to face the thirteenth-seeded Texas Longhorns (19-14, 6-12 SEC) on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tennessee Volunteers: Season Overview

The Volunteers have enjoyed a successful season, securing the fourth seed in the SEC tournament with a 12-6 conference record. Their defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of their success, led by senior point guard Zakai Zeigler, who earned the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award. Zeigler has been instrumental on both ends of the court, averaging 13.1 points, a league-high 7.5 assists, three rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game.

Offensively, senior transfer Chaz Lanier has been a significant contributor, leading the team with an average of 17.9 points per game while shooting 43.2% from the field, including 40.5% from beyond the arc.

The Volunteers’ balanced attack and depth have made them a formidable opponent throughout the season.

Texas Longhorns: Season Overview

The Longhorns’ season has been a tale of resilience. Despite a 6-12 conference record, they have demonstrated their potential by securing seven Quad 1 wins and five victories against AP-ranked opponents. Their recent performances in the SEC tournament have been particularly noteworthy. In the first round, Texas defeated Vanderbilt 79-72, followed by a thrilling 94-89 double-overtime victory over No. 14/16 Texas A&M in the second round.

The Longhorns’ depth has been on display, with six players reaching double figures in scoring during their win against Texas A&M. Guard Tre Johnson, the league’s leading scorer, has been pivotal in their offensive schemes, while the return to health of guard Chendall Weaver has bolstered their rebounding efforts.

Head-to-Head Matchup

This quarterfinal matchup marks the fifth meeting between Tennessee and Texas in four seasons. The Volunteers hold a 6-4 advantage in the series, including a 74-70 victory earlier this season on January 11 in Austin.

In that game, Tennessee’s dominance on the boards was evident, outrebounding Texas 41-27, which played a crucial role in their win.

However, Texas has shown improvement in rebounding in recent weeks. Before their game against Texas A&M, where they were outrebounded 53-40, the Longhorns had lost the rebounding battle just once in their previous four games. The return of Weaver has been instrumental in this aspect, as he has contributed 12 rebounds in 41 total minutes during the tournament.

Coaching Connections

A notable subplot in this matchup is the connection between Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes and the Texas program. Barnes served as the head coach of the Longhorns for 17 seasons from 1998 to 2015, becoming the all-time leader in wins at Texas and leading them to 16 NCAA Tournament berths, including a Final Four appearance in 2003.

This history adds an intriguing layer to the contest, as Barnes faces his former team in a high-stakes tournament setting.

Keys to the Game

• Rebounding Battle: Tennessee’s previous success against Texas was largely due to their dominance on the boards. The Volunteers will aim to replicate this performance, while the Longhorns must focus on boxing out and securing rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities.

• Defensive Matchups: The potential matchup between Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler and Texas’ Tre Johnson could be pivotal. Zeigler’s defensive tenacity against Johnson’s scoring ability will be a focal point in determining the offensive flow for Texas.

• Depth and Stamina: Texas is entering its third game in as many days, including a grueling double-overtime win. Fatigue could be a factor, and Tennessee, having had a double-bye, may have the fresher legs. The Longhorns’ depth will be tested as they seek to maintain their energy levels against a well-rested Volunteers squad.

The SEC quarterfinal between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas Longhorns promises to be a compelling contest. Tennessee’s defensive strength and rebounding prowess will be challenged by a resilient Texas team riding the momentum of consecutive tournament victories. The coaching storyline adds further intrigue to this matchup, making it a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts.