What channel is Tennessee basketball vs Texas in SEC Tournament on today? Time, TV schedule to watch game

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What channel is Tennessee basketball vs Texas in SEC Tournament on today? Time, TV schedule to watch game

Tennessee vs. Texas: SEC Tournament Preview & Analysis

The highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup between the No. 4 seed Tennessee Volunteers and the No. 13 seed Texas Longhorns is set to take place in the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. This game carries significant implications for both teams, with Tennessee looking to solidify its NCAA Tournament seeding and Texas hoping to continue its Cinderella run.

How to Watch Tennessee vs. Texas in the SEC Tournament

Game Details

  • Matchup: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Texas Longhorns
  • Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT (or 25 minutes after the conclusion of the Auburn vs. Ole Miss game)
  • Venue: Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, Tennessee
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Streaming: ESPN+, SEC+, FuboTV (subscription required)
  • Radio Broadcast: Local stations in Tennessee and Texas, SiriusXM SEC Radio

For international viewers, including those in Nigeria, the game will be available through digital streaming services and select cable providers that carry ESPN programming. The local time for tipoff in Nigeria (WAT – West Africa Time) will be 8:30 p.m.

Tennessee vs. Texas: Team Breakdowns

Tennessee Volunteers (No. 4 Seed, 12-6 SEC Record)

Tennessee enters the SEC Tournament with momentum, having finished the regular season with a 12-6 conference record. The Volunteers, led by head coach Rick Barnes, have been one of the most well-balanced teams in the nation, ranking in the top 20 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Key Players for Tennessee:

  1. Zakai Zeigler (PG) – One of the best playmakers in the SEC, Zeigler controls the tempo of Tennessee’s offense.
  2. Dalton Knecht (G/F) – The leading scorer for the Vols, averaging 17.5 points per game and shooting over 40% from three.
  3. Jonas Aidoo (C) – A dominant force in the paint, averaging 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
  4. Josiah-Jordan James (G/F) – A versatile defender and veteran leader.

Tennessee’s Strengths:

  • Elite Defense – Tennessee ranks top 10 in defensive efficiency, allowing fewer than 65 points per game.
  • Three-Point Shooting – The Vols shoot over 37% from beyond the arc, making them a threat from deep.
  • Rebounding Dominance – Aidoo and James provide Tennessee with a strong rebounding presence.

Potential Weaknesses:

  • Turnovers – Tennessee has struggled with turnovers in some key games this season.
  • Foul Trouble – Key players like Aidoo and James have been prone to early fouls, limiting their effectiveness in tight contests.

Texas Longhorns (No. 13 Seed, 7-11 SEC Record)

Texas has been the surprise story of the tournament, knocking off Vanderbilt in the first round and pulling off a dramatic double-overtime win against Texas A&M in the second round. The Longhorns, led by head coach Rodney Terry, have relied on a mix of young talent and veteran leadership to make a deep tournament push.

Key Players for Texas:

  1. Tre Johnson (G) – The freshman sensation has been electric, scoring 25 points in the win over Texas A&M.
  2. Tyrese Hunter (PG) – A quick, aggressive guard who can score and facilitate the offense.
  3. Dillon Mitchell (F) – A strong interior presence, averaging 10.3 rebounds per game.
  4. Kadin Shedrick (C) – A defensive anchor in the paint, leading the team in blocks.

Texas’ Strengths:

  • Momentum & Confidence – The Longhorns are coming off two tournament wins and are playing with nothing to lose.
  • Fast-Paced Offense – Texas excels in transition and can score quickly.
  • Free Throw Shooting – One of the best free throw shooting teams in the SEC.

Potential Weaknesses:

  • Fatigue – Texas has played back-to-back games, while Tennessee is coming off a double-bye.
  • Defense Against Elite Guards – Texas has struggled against teams with strong guard play, which Tennessee has in Zeigler and Knecht.

Game Predictions & Key Matchups to Watch

1. Zakai Zeigler vs. Tyrese Hunter (Battle of the Point Guards)

Zeigler and Hunter are two of the fastest guards in the SEC, and their battle will set the tone for the game. If Zeigler can control the tempo and limit turnovers, Tennessee will have the edge.

2. Dalton Knecht vs. Tre Johnson (Scorers’ Duel)

Knecht and Johnson are the primary offensive weapons for their respective teams. Knecht’s experience gives Tennessee an advantage, but if Johnson gets hot, Texas can stay in the game.

3. Jonas Aidoo vs. Dillon Mitchell (Rebounding Battle)

Rebounding will be critical, and this matchup will determine which team controls second-chance opportunities.

4. Tennessee’s Defense vs. Texas’ Speed

Tennessee’s elite half-court defense will need to slow down Texas’ transition offense. If Texas can push the pace and get easy baskets, they have a shot at pulling off the upset.

 

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