Tennessee Volunteers Face Wofford in NCAA Tournament Showdown

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The No. 2-seed Tennessee Volunteers are set to face the No. 15-seed Wofford Terriers in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament tonight at Rupp Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET, and anticipation runs high as fans prepare for an exciting matchup.

This year marks the seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for Tennessee, establishing a program record and reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in college basketball. Under head coach Rick Barnes, who has a tournament record of 9-6, the Volunteers are considered among the favorites. Tennessee enters the game with a stellar 27-7 record, showcasing strong discipline and strategic play on both ends of the court.

The Volunteers hold an impressive 8-0 record against Wofford in past encounters, with their most recent matchup a distant memory, emphasizing the rarity of these meetings.

As Tennessee aims for a decisive victory to advance deeper into the tournament, overcoming Wofford will lead them to a potential second-round game against either No. 7 seed UCLA or No. 10 seed Utah State on Saturday, March 22.

Tennessee enters as a significant favorite, with betting odds favoring them at an 18.5-point spread. Analysts from DraftKings suggest that while Tennessee is likely to win, Wofford might cover the spread. “If you can jump on the Terriers early, then you can cruise for the remainder of the game,” said Caleb Sisk, an analyst looking for a strong Tennessee performance.

The Wofford Terriers are embracing their underdog status after winning the Southern Conference championship. With a season record of 19-15, they hope to defy expectations. Center Kyler Filewich stands out for his unconventional free-throw shooting style—often referred to as “granny style.” His unique approach has garnered attention, and recent improvements could be pivotal for his team in tight situations. Filewich averages 11.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, despite converting only 37% of his free-throw attempts in five collegiate seasons.

Since switching styles mid-season, Filewich has seen modest improvements, a development that could prove critical. “I feel like I’m pretty confident in it,” Filewich said. “When I needed to, I was able to step up and make two when it mattered.”

Tennessee’s defense will play a crucial role, bolstered by a national ranking of 11th for points allowed per game at 63. Their success in stifling opponents is reflected in the 38.2% shooting percentage they allow.

Predictions for the matchup vary among analysts. Tanner Johnson forecasts an 83-62 win for Tennessee, highlighting their defensive strength. “The Vols have always done very well in the first round under Rick Barnes, and that will continue this year,” he asserted. Jonathan Williams anticipates a closer game, predicting a 78-58 victory, remarking that despite March Madness’s unpredictability, Tennessee’s gameplay should prevail.

As game time approaches, the stage is set for what promises to be an exciting contest between Tennessee and Wofford. With hopes of further advancement in the tournament, the Volunteers aim to solidify their legacy in NCAA history.