Auburn Tigers vs Tennessee Volunteers Picks and Predictions March 15th 2025

Defensive Battle Between SEC Powerhouses

Two of the SEC’s top teams meet in a must-watch semifinal as No. 3 Auburn (28-4) battles No. 8 Tennessee (26-6) on Saturday afternoon in Nashville. Both teams secured double byes in the tournament, and after taking care of business in the quarterfinals, they now square off for a spot in the SEC Championship Game.

The Tigers won the lone regular-season meeting, narrowly escaping with a 53-51 home victory over the Volunteers on Jan. 25. That game showcased both teams’ elite defenses, and with both squads featuring the SEC’s top individual defensive talents, this semifinal matchup could turn into another grind-it-out battle.

For bettors, the pace of play and turnover margin will be key factors to consider when evaluating College Basketball Picks for this SEC showdown.

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Auburn Leaning on Broome’s Dominance

Auburn advanced to the semifinals with a 62-57 victory over Ole Miss in the quarterfinals, powered by SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome. The star forward was dominant, finishing with 23 points and 15 rebounds to lift the Tigers past a scrappy Rebels squad.

Coach Bruce Pearl emphasized the importance of defense and rebounding, noting that Auburn’s ability to limit Ole Miss’ scoring chances was the difference. However, Auburn struggled with ball security, committing 15 turnovers that led to 18 points for the Rebels.

Against Tennessee’s suffocating defense, Auburn will need to clean up its mistakes and handle pressure better if they want to secure a spot in the championship game. Broome will likely be the focal point once again, but Auburn’s guards must step up against the Volunteers’ defensive intensity.

Tennessee’s Offense Finding Another Level

The Volunteers, known for their defense, put on an offensive showcase in their 83-72 quarterfinal win over Texas. Chaz Lanier, the SEC Newcomer of the Year, wasted no time making an impact, scoring 17 of Tennessee’s first 21 points en route to a 23-point performance.

Zakai Zeigler, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, added 19 points—all in the second half—after sitting much of the first half with foul trouble. He also broke Tennessee’s single-season assists record (230 and counting), leading an offense that has become more dynamic in recent weeks.

Tennessee’s ability to control tempo will be a major factor in this matchup. If the Volunteers can dictate the pace and keep Auburn from getting easy baskets in transition, they could flip the script from their close loss earlier in the season.

Head-to-Head Season Series Analysis

Auburn edged Tennessee 53-51 in their only regular-season meeting on Jan. 25, a game that was dictated by physical defense on both sides. The Tigers needed a clutch late-game three from Miles Kelly to pull ahead, and the Volunteers struggled to find consistent offense.

This time around, Tennessee’s improved offensive efficiency could be a difference-maker. However, Auburn’s size and rebounding edge—led by Broome—gives them a clear path to success if they can capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

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Expert Prediction and Betting Insight

Auburn has been one of the most consistent teams in the country this season, but Tennessee’s ability to blend elite defense with improved offensive production makes them a serious threat. The key battle will be Auburn’s interior dominance against Tennessee’s perimeter defense and ball movement.

Expect another physical, low-scoring game similar to their last matchup. Auburn will look to control the paint with Broome, while Tennessee will rely on Zeigler’s playmaking and Lanier’s scoring ability.

For bettors, the total points and turnover battle will be critical factors when making College Basketball Picks for this game. Whichever team executes better in half-court sets will likely secure a spot in the SEC Championship.