The No. 2 seed in the East Region Tennessee Volunteers(27-7) are gearing up to take on the No. 15 seed Wofford Terriers(19-15) in the 1st Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The game will take place Thursday evening in Lexington, Kentucky at the historic Rupp Arena.
Tennessee has been one of the nation’s most consistent teams in recent years. They are looking to build upon a loss in the Elite Eight last year. Wofford is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. Will the Terriers be able to keep this game close and knock off the favored Volunteers?
Tennessee Season Summary
The Volunteers were consistently excellent this regular season. They went 12-6 in an SEC that was historically great this year. Unfortunately, they lost to the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship Game. A loss heading into the tournament should not detract from a tremendous regular season for the Volunteers.
Tennessee’s offense has been mediocre this year. They are 149th in points per game, 135th in field goal percentage, and 182nd in three-point percentage. As is the case for many of the nation’s top teams, they have been led by a stout defense. The Volunteers are 11th in points allowed, third in opposing field goal percentage, and leading the nation in opposing three-point percentage. Guard Chaz Lanier is the team’s leading scorer. Guard Zakai Zeigler is fifth in the nation in assists.
Wofford Season Summary
The Terriers made the NCAA Tournament following a win in the SoCon Conference Tournament. Wofford’s offense is middling. They are 135th in points per game, 147th in field goal percentage, and 178th in three-point percentage.
The defense has not been much better for Wofford. They are 114th in points allowed, 160th in opposing field goal percentage, and 206th in opposing three-point percentage. Guard Corey Tripp is the team’s leading scorer. He had a strong conference tournament helping the Terriers put on their dancing shoes. Center Kyler Filewich is one of the best rebounders in the nation.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee is the better team and should win handily. With that being said, in the NCAA Tournament anything can happen. All basketball fans know to expect the unexpected in this tournament. Regardless, the Volunteers should dominate this game and advance to the next round.
