Auburn Dominates Tennessee in SEC Tournament Semifinal

Nashville, TN – Auburn University solidified its standing as a powerhouse in college basketball by defeating the University of Tennessee 70-65 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament semifinals on March 15, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena.

The match showcased a fierce competition as both teams fought for a spot in the championship game, scheduled for March 16. Auburn, the No. 1 seed, outperformed Tennessee, who entered the game as a formidable contender with an impressive season record of 27 wins and 6 losses.

Auburn’s victory was marked by strong performances from its star players. Johni Broome led the Tigers with 22 points, while Denver Jones and Chad Baker-Mazara contributed 18 and 14 points, respectively. “We executed our game plan perfectly,” Broome said after the game. “Every player gave their best, and it showed on the court.”

Tennessee struggled with efficiency, particularly in their shooting percentages, landing only 42.6% of field goals and 26.3% on three-pointers. In contrast, Auburn registered an impressive 41.8% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc. Despite the loss, Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler managed to score 19 points, showcasing his effort even as his team fell short.

Turnovers played a significant role in the game’s dynamics, with Tennessee committing 11 compared to Auburn’s 6. “We need to control the ball better in high-stakes games like this,” Tennessee’s coach remarked in the post-game press conference. “Turnovers will kill you, especially against a well-coached team like Auburn.”

The matchup at Bridgestone Arena was pivotal not just for the players but also for the SEC’s storied basketball history. Auburn, defending champion from 2024, aims for consecutive titles after defeating Florida in the championship game last year.

Since the inception of the SEC Tournament, Kentucky holds the record with a staggering 32 titles, but Auburn is making a strong case to join the ranks of elite teams with their recent performances. The final game will see Auburn face the winner of the other semifinal matchup, set to occur later that day.

The SEC Tournament, running from March 12 to March 16, also features thrilling matchups that are sure to excite basketball fans across the country. According to ESPN, the winners of this tournament usually secure favorable seedings in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.