LEXINGTON, KY — The Tennessee Volunteers are set to clash with the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 9:40 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated matchup will be held at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, with both teams coming off impressive wins in their opening round games.
The second-seeded Volunteers (28-7) secured their place in the second round with a decisive 77-62 victory over the 15th-seeded Wofford Terriers. On the other side, the seventh-seeded Bruins (23-10) dominated the 10th-seeded Utah State Aggies, winning 72-47, thus setting the stage for an exciting battle between these two storied programs.
The matchup marks only the second time in history that Tennessee and UCLA have faced off on the men's hardwood. Their initial meeting occurred in January 1977, where Tennessee fell to the Bruins 103-89 in Atlanta. That season, the Volunteers ended with a 22-6 record (16-2 SEC) and finished ranked No. 15 in the AP Poll before losing to Syracuse in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
As the games are unfolding, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes emphasized the team's preparation. "Before we came, obviously like every team here, we've already scouted everybody that we knew that we could possibly play against," Barnes said after the win against Wofford. "Now we got a day to get ready. It will be different. We don't do much physically because we were in a really physical game tonight. I think this game is going to be pretty physical, too, but the key is to get recovered."
The Bruins will be looking to capitalize on their strong performance in the first round. UCLA has a solid roster, with leading scorer Tyler Bilodeau averaging 13.6 points per game. Key players such as Kobe Johnson, who leads the team with 5.9 rebounds, and Dylan Andrews, leading with 3.3 assists, will be crucial in their strategy against a well-rounded Tennessee unit.
UCLA's current season has showcased notable statistics, including a Net Rating of No. 27 and an Adjusted Defensive Efficiency of No. 17, which reflects their ability to guard against opponents effectively. Conversely, Tennessee enters the tournament with versatile players and a significant depth chart, having relied heavily on standout performances to advance.
In their respective wins, Tennessee showcased offensive strength through Chaz Lanier, who scored 29 points and tied the UT NCAA Tournament record for three-pointers with six. His performance was historic, marking the third-most points scored in a March Madness game for the Volunteers.
As the teams prepare for the tip-off, the rivalry rekindles both historic tension and competitive spirit. The Volunteers and Bruins are aware that anyone in the tournament can threaten their dreams of reaching the Sweet 16. Both squads are here because they’ve played well, and a mere 40 minutes can determine their fate.
For the Bruins, this game is not only a contest of skill but also represents an opportunity to rewrite history, as they aim to defeat a foe they triumphed over more than four decades ago. Tennessee seeks to establish dominance in the match, hoping to secure their path forward in the tournament.
Bert Bertelkamp, a former Tennessee guard during the first meeting against UCLA, will have a significant connection to this current matchup as part of the Vols' radio team. This will mark the final season of his role as a color commentator, adding a layer of sentiment to the event. Current players, like Zakai Zeigler, will also be seeking personal accolades as his record-breaking assist will be a talking point as fans tune in.
As the Volunteers gear up for action, Rick Barnes’s message remains clear: the focus now shifts to the task at hand. “We will get back, and guys will get in those ice tubs and try to get their bodies back because you expect it to be another grind game and hard-fought possession game,” Barnes noted. He’s optimistic yet practical about the challenges that await.
With anticipation building, the confrontation between Tennessee and UCLA is poised to deliver a thrilling chapter in NCAA Tournament history. Basketball fans are lining up for what promises to be an unforgettable clash, with the implications extending beyond just the scoreboard. The repercussions of this game could resonate as they both aim for higher aspirations in the tournament, demanding sharp execution and relentless effort.
