Top-seeded Texas Longhorns are defeated by the Tennessee Vols in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament.
In a pivotal SEC Tournament quarterfinal matchup, the Texas Longhorns faced off against the Tennessee Volunteers on March 14, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Despite a valiant effort, Texas fell 83–72, marking a significant juncture in their season.(University of Texas Athletics)
The game commenced with Tennessee asserting dominance, with Chaz Lanier accounting for 17 of the Volunteers’ first 21 points. This early surge provided Tennessee with a lead they would maintain throughout the game. Texas responded with a 6–0 run to narrow the deficit, but the Volunteers’ consistent scoring kept them ahead. At halftime, Tennessee led 41–38, setting the stage for a competitive second half. (Dallas News)
The second half saw Tennessee extend their lead, with Zakai Zeigler contributing 19 points, all scored after halftime. His performance, coupled with Lanier’s earlier efforts, proved too much for Texas to overcome. Despite a late push by the Longhorns, including a 7–1 run to cut the deficit to 79–72, Tennessee secured the victory with a final score of 83–72. (CBSSports.com, University of Tennessee Athletics)
Texas entered the SEC Tournament as the 13th seed, aiming to bolster their NCAA Tournament resume. The team had previously secured victories over Vanderbilt and Texas A&M, showcasing their potential. However, the loss to Tennessee raised questions about their postseason prospects. Despite the defeat, Texas’s performance in the tournament, including a notable win over Texas A&M, kept their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. (Dallas News, Houston Chronicle)
Following the SEC Tournament, Texas awaited the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee’s decision. Coach Rodney Terry expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, emphasizing their competitive spirit and resilience. However, the committee’s evaluation would ultimately determine their inclusion in the tournament. (Houston Chronicle, nypost.com, The Daily Texan)
The quarterfinal loss to Tennessee was a defining moment for Texas. While the defeat was disappointing, it highlighted areas for improvement and underscored the team’s potential. As they awaited the NCAA Tournament selection, the Longhorns remained hopeful, reflecting on their season’s achievements and the lessons learned from their experiences.
