Tennessee Basketball Opens as Favorites Against UCLA in the Round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament
As the 2025 NCAA Tournament marches on, the Tennessee Volunteers find themselves in a highly anticipated matchup against the UCLA Bruins in the Round of 32. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and this game promises to be one of the most exciting and hard-fought contests of the tournament. However, despite the formidable talent that UCLA brings to the table, the Volunteers have been installed as the favorites, largely due to their stout defense, depth, and overall consistency throughout the year.
Tennessee, coming off a solid win in their first-round game, has displayed dominance in all facets of the game, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament. As the No. 3 seed in the tournament, they are hoping to continue their march through March Madness with the goal of reaching the Final Four. But standing in their way is a tough UCLA team, which has proven to be one of the most skilled and resilient teams in college basketball this season.
Why Tennessee is Favored
The Vols enter this game with the advantage for several reasons. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that make Tennessee the favorites going into the Round of 32 matchup against UCLA:
1. Defensive Prowess
Tennessee’s defense has been one of the main reasons for their success this season, and it’s been the cornerstone of their strategy in the tournament so far. The Vols pride themselves on their ability to shut down opposing offenses, and this year, they have taken their defense to new heights. Ranked as one of the best defensive teams in the nation, Tennessee has consistently stifled opponents with their aggressive press, physicality, and ability to force turnovers.
In their first-round game, the Vols’ defense was suffocating, holding their opponent to under 60 points. They also managed to force 20 turnovers, which they turned into easy points on the fast break. UCLA’s offense will undoubtedly pose a challenge, but Tennessee’s ability to neutralize opposing players and take away easy scoring opportunities gives them a distinct advantage in this matchup.
Key players like Josiah-Jordan James, who has emerged as one of the top defenders in the country, and Zakai Zeigler, known for his ability to disrupt the opposing offense, will be crucial in limiting UCLA’s scoring opportunities. If Tennessee can continue their defensive dominance and keep the Bruins from getting into a rhythm, they will be in a strong position to advance.
2. Balanced Scoring and Depth
One of the Vols’ biggest strengths this season has been their ability to score from multiple areas on the floor, with several players capable of stepping up on any given night. Tennessee has five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by the senior guard Santiago Vescovi and forward Josiah-Jordan James. This depth gives Tennessee the ability to withstand defensive pressure and ensures that no single player is shouldering too much of the offensive load.
Tennessee’s balanced offensive attack has proven to be tough to stop, as opponents have to account for multiple threats at all times. Vescovi, a deadly shooter, has the ability to stretch the floor, while James provides a versatile scoring option both inside and out. Other key contributors, like Tyreke Key and Julian Phillips, have also had standout performances throughout the season. This depth allows Tennessee to keep fresh legs on the court and wear down opponents over the course of a game.
In contrast, UCLA, while talented, doesn’t boast the same level of depth, and Tennessee’s ability to rotate players while maintaining a high level of play could become a decisive factor in the game’s outcome.
3. Experience and Tournament Success
Tennessee has a roster full of experienced players who have been through the pressure of the NCAA Tournament. Players like Vescovi and James have had multiple years of tournament experience, making them battle-tested and able to handle the intense atmosphere that comes with March Madness.
Under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee has made it to the Sweet 16 in each of the last two tournaments, and their familiarity with the tournament environment will be an asset as they take on UCLA. Barnes’ leadership and ability to make in-game adjustments have proven invaluable in close matchups, and his experience in tournament play has been a key factor in the Vols’ consistent success.
UCLA, while also a highly experienced team with several players who have tournament experience, will have to deal with the high-pressure defense and intensity that Tennessee brings. This could put them at a disadvantage, especially in the late stages of the game when nerves tend to play a larger role.
4. Rebounding and Physicality
Tennessee has been one of the best rebounding teams in the nation, and their physicality inside the paint could give them the edge in this matchup. Tamari Key, the 6-foot-6 center, has been a dominant presence in the paint all season long, and her ability to control the boards has been a major factor in Tennessee’s success. Key’s rim protection and rebounding skills will be critical in limiting UCLA’s second-chance opportunities and keeping them from getting easy putbacks.
In addition to Key, Tennessee has several other players who excel at crashing the boards, including Jonas Aidoo and Olivier Nkamhoua, both of whom are adept at securing defensive rebounds and starting fast breaks. If Tennessee can win the battle on the glass and limit UCLA’s opportunities in the paint, they’ll be in a prime position to advance.
The Challenge of UCLA
While Tennessee is the favorite heading into this matchup, they cannot afford to overlook a talented UCLA team. The Bruins, who enter the tournament as a No. 6 seed, are one of the most complete teams in college basketball and will present a serious challenge for the Vols. Here’s what Tennessee will need to watch out for when facing UCLA:
1. UCLA’s Offensive Balance
UCLA has a well-rounded offensive attack, with several players who can score in a variety of ways. Jaime Jaquez Jr., the Bruins’ star forward, is one of the top players in college basketball and is capable of taking over games. Jaquez is a versatile scorer who can attack the basket, hit mid-range shots, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His ability to score in different ways makes him a difficult player to defend.
In addition to Jaquez, UCLA has strong supporting players like Tyger Campbell, an experienced point guard who can facilitate the offense and create scoring opportunities, and Amari Bailey, a talented freshman guard who has impressed with his ability to score and create for others.
While Tennessee has the advantage on defense, they will need to make sure they contain these key players and avoid letting UCLA get into an offensive rhythm.
2. UCLA’s Defense and Toughness
UCLA is known for its tough, physical defense, and the Bruins will bring that same intensity against Tennessee. Under head coach Mick Cronin, UCLA has built a reputation as one of the best defensive teams in the country, often forcing opponents into tough shots and limiting easy scoring opportunities.
The Bruins will likely try to slow the pace of the game and make Tennessee work for every point, so the Vols will need to be patient and efficient on offense. If Tennessee can execute their offensive sets and capitalize on open shots, they can negate UCLA’s defensive strength.
Tennessee’s Path to Victory
As Tennessee prepares to face UCLA in the Round of 32, they will be favored due to their defense, depth, and overall balanced play. While UCLA is a talented and tough opponent, Tennessee’s defensive pressure, rebounding, and depth should give them the edge in this matchup.
For the Vols to advance, they’ll need to continue executing their game plan, keeping their defensive intensity high, and taking advantage of their scoring opportunities. The combination of experienced leadership, depth, and physicality gives Tennessee the tools to succeed, and they’ll be looking to make another deep tournament run.
With the NCAA Tournament in full swing, this showdown against UCLA is sure to be one of the most exciting matchups of the Round of 32. The Vols are ready, and fans will be hoping their team can continue their championship push and build on the momentum they’ve generated so far.