Tennessee Volunteers vs Vanderbilt Commodores – NCAA Basketball Preview – February 15, 2025
No. 5 Tennessee hosts in-state rival Vanderbilt on Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena. The Volunteers are looking to bounce back after a 75-64 loss to Kentucky, while Vanderbilt aims to sweep the season series after winning 76-75 in their first meeting on Jan. 18.
Tennessee enters the game at 20-5 overall and 7-5 in SEC play, sitting seventh in the conference standings. Vanderbilt is 17-7 and ranks 10th in the SEC with a 5-6 record. The Commodores have lost three of their last four games, including an 80-68 loss to Auburn in their most recent matchup.
Tennessee Preview – Volunteers Need a Rebound Performance
Tennessee has been dominant at home, holding a 13-1 record at Thompson-Boling Arena. The Volunteers are one of the best defensive teams in the nation, allowing just 59.9 points per game, which ranks fourth in the country. Their defensive intensity has made it tough for opponents to find open shots, as they hold teams to 36.7% shooting, the best mark in the SEC.
Chaz Lanier leads Tennessee in scoring with 17.4 points per game but struggled against Kentucky, finishing with just 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting. Zakai Zeigler has been the team’s most consistent player recently, averaging 18.3 points over the last three games. Zeigler also leads the Volunteers in assists (7.5 per game) and steals (2.08 per game), making him a key two-way player.
Igor Milicic Jr. has also stepped up, scoring at least 16 points in three of his last four games. He averages 11.0 points and 8.0 rebounds, providing much-needed interior presence. Tennessee will need a strong effort from Milicic and the rest of its frontcourt to slow down Vanderbilt’s inside scoring.
Vanderbilt Preview – Can the Commodores Pull Off Another Upset?
Vanderbilt has been up and down this season, but they have proven they can compete with top teams. The Commodores are 2-4 against ranked SEC opponents this season, including their upset win over Tennessee last month. However, they have struggled to close out games, with recent losses to Auburn and Florida coming after leading in the second half.
Jason Edwards leads Vanderbilt in scoring with 17.4 points per game, while Devin McGlockton is the team’s best rebounder at 8.1 boards per contest. McGlockton is also the team’s second-leading scorer, putting up 11.2 points per game. Guard A.J. Hoggard provides another scoring option, averaging 10.4 points and 4.1 assists per game.
Vanderbilt’s offense has been inconsistent, averaging 80.6 points per game but struggling to maintain efficiency. They shoot just 32.5% from three-point range, which ranks 265th in the nation. Against a tough Tennessee defense, the Commodores will need to improve their shot selection and avoid long scoring droughts.
Betting Prediction
Tennessee has been strong against the spread, covering in 22 of its last 38 games. The Volunteers have also played well at home, where they are 13-1 this season. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt has covered in 20 of its last 33 games, but they have struggled against top-tier SEC competition.
One key factor in this game is Tennessee’s defense. The Volunteers rank fourth in the country in points allowed and first in opponent field goal percentage. Vanderbilt’s offense has been inconsistent, and they could struggle to score against a disciplined Tennessee defense. The Volunteers should control the pace of the game and wear down Vanderbilt over time. Expect Tennessee to win and cover the spread.
Pick: Tennessee Volunteers -12
