Texas Faces Vanderbilt in SEC Tournament Opener as March Madness Approaches

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Texas Longhorns are set to face the Vanderbilt Commodores in the opening round of the 2025 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, March 12, at 2:30 p.m. ET. With a record of 17-14 and a disappointing 6-12 in conference play, Texas is looking to make a strong impression on the NCAA Tournament selection committee.

Vanderbilt enters the game with an overall record of 20-11 and an 8-10 mark in the SEC. Both teams are seeking a notable victory that could bolster their chances for a postseason bid. Texas needs at least a couple of wins in Nashville to secure its fifth consecutive appearance in March Madness.

The Longhorns, coached by Chris Beard, rely heavily on freshman guard Tre Johnson, who has emerged as a key player for the team, leading the SEC in scoring. Johnson is expected to rebound from a lackluster performance against Oklahoma in the regular season finale, where he struggled to find his rhythm.

“We need to treat every game like it’s our last,” Johnson said before the matchup. “This tournament is our chance to prove ourselves and make a run for the title.”

In contrast, Vanderbilt’s season has been bolstered by junior guard Jason Edwards, who averages 16.9 points per game. Edwards will be pivotal for the Commodores, as they look to capitalize on their home-court advantage in front of local fans.

<p“Playing at Bridgestone Arena gives us a boost,” Edwards said. “We’re ready to bring our best game against Texas.”

The Longhorns announced their starting lineup will feature guards Jordan Pope and Tramon Mark alongside Johnson, with Arthur Kaluma and Kadin Shedrick rounding out the team. This familiarity in the lineup is a positive sign for Texas, as it attempts to regain its momentum in tournament play.

Vanderbilt is expected to start guards Chris Manon and AJ Hoggard along with forwards Tyler Nickel and Devin McGlockton. However, the Commodores will need to adjust their strategy if guard Grant Huffman, who has been a crucial scorer lately, is unable to play.

As the game nears, the anticipation builds for what could set the tone for the remainder of the SEC tournament. The stakes are high for both teams, and a victory could lead to a deeper run in the tournament.

The SEC Tournament, which began with 11 teams in contention, will conclude with the championship game scheduled for Sunday, March 16, at the same venue. This year’s tournament features top seeds, including Auburn, who secured the No. 1 position after impressive performances throughout the season.

Fans can catch the action on the SEC Network, as Texas and Vanderbilt look to claim an early victory that could change the trajectory of their seasons.