LEXINGTON, Ky. – On Thursday night, the sixth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (27-7) begin their quest for the NCAA basketball title, squaring off against the No. 15-seed Wofford Terriers (19-15) at Rupp Arena. Preparations are in full swing as the game is set to tip off at 6:50 p.m. ET. It's a significant moment for both teams, with Tennessee making its seventh consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament.
The Volunteers enter the game coming off a hard-fought 86-77 loss against the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament final. Despite the disappointment, they remain a formidable contender, buoyed by key performances from senior guards Jordan Gainey and Zakai Zeigler, who scored 24 and 23 points, respectively, in that match. Gainey will be one to watch as he leads with an average of 11.4 points per game, while Zeigler’s playmaking promises to be a deciding factor.
Conversely, Wofford, making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, has surged into the tournament after a triumphant run through the Southern Conference (SoCon) Championship, culminating in a nail-biting 92-85 victory over Furman. The Terriers’ triumph was celebrated as they captured their sixth NCAA berth in program history, and they are expected to bring their momentum into Thursday’s matchup.
The matchup comes rich with historical context as Tennessee boasts an all-time record of 8-0 against Wofford. Head coach Rick Barnes is particularly successful against current SoCon teams, holding a stunning 25-1 record with his only loss occurring years ago in 2016. Both teams have not faced each other often — the last encounter took place just last season when UT secured an 82-61 victory.
As fans eagerly await the game, Tennessee's roster presents a potent mix of talent. Zakai Zeigler, who has set a single-season record for assists with 242, will be instrumental in leading the offense alongside standout Chaz Lanier, who averages 17.7 points and is a critical force from beyond the arc. Lanier's consistency as the Vols' leading scorer further solidifies Tennessee's expectations of success.
Wofford's lineup features key players including Corey Tripp, who averages 14.3 points and is regarded as a major offensive threat, and Kyler Filewich, who leads the team in rebounds. Filewich's 9.4 rebounds per game could prove critical against a Tennessee squad that has struggled with rebounding in some recent contests. Last season, Wofford managed to grab 15 offensive rebounds against the Vols, a statistic that will undoubtedly be a focus in Tennessee’s preparation.
The Vols are renowned for their defensive capabilities, particularly their ability to stymie three-point shooting, which could pose challenges for Wofford, known for actively seeking outside shots. Tennessee statistically holds the top three-point defense in the nation, emphasizing the importance of their defense in this matchup.
For the Volunteers, this marks another elite opportunity to build on their program's success. With an impressive record of 198 wins over the past eight seasons, they are looking for their fourth consecutive advancement to the Round of 32. Overall, Tennessee stands at 28-27 in NCAA Tournament play and aims to improve under Rick Barnes, who has solidified his status with the most tournament wins in program history.
As the teams prepare to face off at Rupp Arena, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting first-round game. Tennessee is favored to win, with BetMGM placing the Volunteers as 19.5 point favorites, a notable gap reflecting their strong season against the backdrop of Wofford’s surprising run in the SoCon Tournament. However, with momentum on their side, the Terriers look to leverage their opportunity to upset the higher seed and make their mark in the tournament.
Fans can catch all the action live on TNT, with Brian Anderson and Jim Jackson calling the game, alongside Allie LaForce providing sideline reports. In addition, the game can be streamed on various platforms, ensuring that viewers do not miss any moment of the NCAA tournament action.
For both teams, the stakes are high—Tennessee seeks to reclaim their status as a dominant force in the tournament, while Wofford aims to disrupt the narrative and etch their story into NCAA history. With each possession carrying the weight of their ambitions, all eyes will be on Rupp Arena as March Madness unfolds.
