LEXINGTON, Ky. − The excitement is palpable as the Tennessee Volunteers gear up to launch their NCAA Tournament campaign against the Wofford Terriers on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:50 p.m. ET at Rupp Arena. As the No. 2 seed, the Vols are aiming to build on their recent success, having progressed further in each of the past three seasons, including a remarkable Elite Eight run last year.
The Terriers, meanwhile, enter the tournament as the Southern Conference champions with an overall record of 19-15. Though they boast a solid postseason pedigree, their journey to this point has been rocky, finishing sixth in the Southern Conference before a spectacular rally in conference tournament play earned them a spot in the NCAA bracket.
Wofford’s impressive run included a memorable sweep of the Southern Conference Tournament. As the 6-seed, they started off with a notable 72-60 upset victory over 3-seed East Tennessee State, which started a string of impressive wins. Following this, Wofford dismantled 7-seed VMI 85-65 in the semifinals and triumphed over 5-seed Furman 103-85 in the championship game, securing their automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Leading the charge for the Terriers is senior guard Corey Tripp, who averages 14.3 points and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. His contributions are vital for Wofford, particularly in a team that averages 75.3 points per game on 45.3% shooting overall. Wofford has also seen success from beyond the arc, with 38.8% of their offensive points coming from three-pointers. Four players have made at least 50 three-pointers this season, showcasing Wofford’s potential to be a dangerous threat if they get hot from beyond the arc.
However, despite these positives, Wofford’s defense poses a major concern. They rank in the top 200 for most defensive metrics, holding an opponent offensive rebound percentage of only 24.2%, which ranks 36th in the country. This fundamental limitation has caused analysts to forecast an uphill battle against the well-oiled Tennessee machine. ESPN’s matchup predictor has given Wofford merely a 3% chance to win against the formidable Volunteers.
On the other side of the court, Tennessee enters with an overall record of 27-7, including a strong 12-6 record in Southeastern Conference play. Having showcased their strength as the No. 2 seed for the second consecutive year, Tennessee’s higher ranking is accompanied by expectations of a deep run into the tournament, fueled by both experience and regular season success.
Chaz Lanier has emerged as a standout for the Volunteers, leading the team with 17.7 points per game along with 3.8 rebounds. Following closely behind is Zakai Zeigler, who averages 13.8 points and leads with 7.3 assists, maintaining the flow of the Vols’ offense effectively. Additionally, Jordan Gainey has shown remarkable prowess, especially during the SEC tournament, where he averaged 16 points in three games, including a heroic 24-point effort in the title game against Florida.
The match-up history between these two teams indicates a favorable trend for Tennessee; their only prior meeting occurred in November 2023, where they won decisively, 82-61. Vols assistant coach Rod Clark noted, "They still have some of the same personnel. We know they’re still going to be a really good team." Despite the Terriers’ recent success, there’s an air of confidence from the Tennessee side based on their past engagements with Wofford.
Moreover, Tennessee’s postseason pedigree under head coach Rick Barnes cannot be overstated. The Volunteers have a strong 5-1 record in first-round NCAA Tournament games since his arrival, and they have never lost to a 15-seed under his guidance. This reliability is a crucial factor shaping the expectations surrounding this match-up.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an electrifying performance, the storylines around both teams are compelling. Can Wofford pull off an upset reminiscent of their earlier tournament dreams, or will Tennessee assert its dominance and take a decisive step toward another deep tournament run? With March Madness in full swing, any outcome remains possible, but the odds appear squarely in favor of the Volunteers.
The atmosphere in Rupp Arena is expected to be vibrant as both teams battle not just for a win but for the pride and honor of their respective programs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these two teams face off in what is sure to be a memorable NCAA Tournament opener.
Ultimately, predictions suggest Tennessee will prevail comfortably, with many experts leaning towards a substantial victory margin. "Tennessee 79, Wofford 49," predicts one confident observer, reflecting the general sentiment that Wofford will face significant challenges against a well-rounded Vols team.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, the excitement builds, and fans from both sides are left eagerly anticipating the first whistle, bracing for the thrilling dance of March Madness.
