NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Zakai Zeigler led the charge with 20 points as the eighth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers triumphed over third-seeded Auburn, regular-season champions, by a score of 70-65 on Saturday. This victory marks Tennessee’s advancement to the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship for the first time since 2022.
The Volunteers, who entered the tournament as the fourth seed, improved their record to 27-6. They avenged both their January 25th defeat to Auburn and their 2019 title game loss in the SEC Tournament. Next, Tennessee is set to challenge fourth-ranked Florida, who knocked over No. 5 Alabama with a dominant 104-82 victory. This showdown on Sunday could have significant implications for NCAA Tournament seeding, with both the Vols and Florida vying for potential No. 1 seeds in what many consider the nation’s strongest league.
Jordan Gainey contributed 15 points for Tennessee, while Chaz Lanier added 12. Auburn, which now exits with losses in three of their last four matchups, was led by SEC player of the year Johni Broome, who put up 23 points, alongside Miles Kelly’s 13, and Denver Jones’ 10.
The game was closely contested with Auburn holding a narrow 33-32 advantage at halftime, courtesy of a late 10-0 run. However, the Tigers’ last lead was at 48-47.
Looking at the bigger picture for Tennessee, this marks their fourth appearance in the finals over the past seven SEC tournaments. Previously, they secured the title in Tampa in 2022 and faced defeats in 2018 and 2019. Under the guidance of Coach Rick Barnes, who celebrated his 833rd career win, Tennessee improved their tournament record to 12-8.
Meanwhile, Auburn was aiming for its fourth tournament title and the third under Coach Bruce Pearl’s leadership, having secured victories in 2019 and 2022, along with an earlier win in 1985.
A pivotal moment occurred when Tennessee surged ahead with a 13-1 run, taking a 60-49 lead highlighted by Zeigler’s three-pointer from the top of the circle with 7:17 remaining.
Statistically, Tennessee found an advantage at the free-throw line, converting 25 of 27 attempts, which included 18 of 20 in the second half, a critical edge over Auburn’s 13 of 22. Jahmai Mashack’s free throws with 14 seconds left effectively sealed the Vols’ victory.
As the Auburn Tigers await their NCAA Tournament seeding announcement on Sunday, Tennessee looks forward to their showdown against Florida, having split wins during their regular season matchups.
