In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Volunteers defeat Wofford 77-62.

In the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, the Volunteers Defeat Wofford 77-62

Introduction

The NCAA Tournament is one of the most thrilling events in college basketball, with the nation’s best teams vying for glory on the biggest stage. In the first round of the 2025 tournament, the Tennessee Volunteers proved they were more than ready for the challenge as they faced the Wofford Terriers. This matchup was seen as an opportunity for the Volunteers to showcase their dominance and make a statement in the tournament, and they did just that by securing a comfortable 77-62 victory over the Terriers.

Tennessee’s win was a result of balanced scoring, solid defense, and timely plays when the team needed them most. Despite a strong performance from Wofford, which came into the game as a formidable mid-major squad, the Volunteers used their depth, experience, and talent to pull away and advance to the next round of the tournament. This win was a testament to Tennessee’s resilience and its ability to execute under pressure, making them one of the teams to watch as the tournament progresses.

In this article, we will break down the key moments of the game, highlight individual performances, and analyze how Tennessee’s win over Wofford sets the stage for their tournament journey. From strong individual performances to a well-executed team strategy, the Volunteers showed why they are a contender in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Pre-Game Expectations and Setting the Stage

Before the game, expectations were high for the Volunteers, who came into the tournament as one of the top seeds in the bracket. Under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee had earned a reputation as one of the best defensive teams in the country and one of the most balanced squads. Their aggressive defense, combined with efficient scoring, had allowed them to build a strong record in the regular season, positioning them well for a deep tournament run.

Wofford, on the other hand, entered the tournament as a mid-major powerhouse. While they were not as heavily favored as Tennessee, the Terriers were no strangers to tournament upsets, having earned an automatic bid through winning the Southern Conference Tournament. Wofford’s ability to play fast-paced, efficient basketball had earned them respect as a dangerous opponent.

Tennessee, despite their clear advantage in talent and size, knew that they couldn’t take Wofford lightly. The Volunteers had seen first-hand how smaller programs could rise to the occasion on the national stage, and they had to ensure they came prepared to execute their game plan without getting caught off guard. The Volunteers’ defense was going to be key in shutting down Wofford’s offensive attack and forcing them into uncomfortable situations.

The First Half: Volunteers Set the Tone Early

From the opening tip, Tennessee’s defense set the tone for the game. The Volunteers’ ability to pressure the ball and contest shots from the Terriers allowed them to take control early. Wofford was known for its sharp shooting and strong outside game, but Tennessee’s defense made it difficult for the Terriers to get into a rhythm.

Tennessee’s defense was suffocating. The Volunteers forced four turnovers in the first five minutes, capitalizing on Wofford’s mistakes to build an early lead. Wofford was forced to take contested shots from the perimeter, and they struggled to find open looks in the paint. Tennessee’s size and length were particularly effective, as they made it hard for Wofford to get easy buckets inside.

Offensively, Tennessee showed their depth and versatility. Santiago Vescovi, one of Tennessee’s leaders and a veteran guard, came out strong. Vescovi’s ability to score both from long range and off the dribble gave the Volunteers an early spark. He hit a couple of early three-pointers to stretch the lead, and his court vision allowed Tennessee to move the ball efficiently, finding open shooters and getting high-percentage looks inside.

Tennessee’s offense also featured a strong performance from Zakai Zeigler, the dynamic sophomore point guard. Zeigler’s speed and ability to attack the basket made him a constant threat, keeping the defense on its toes. His aggressive play helped Tennessee build a significant lead early in the game, with the Volunteers leading 40-26 at the half.

Wofford Fights Back in the Second Half

While Tennessee had a comfortable lead going into the second half, Wofford wasn’t going to go down without a fight. The Terriers showed their resilience as they made adjustments and came out strong after the break. Ryan Larson, Wofford’s star guard, led the charge with his aggressive play and ability to score from all over the court. Larson began to break down Tennessee’s defense with a series of smooth drives to the basket and mid-range jump shots.

Wofford also found success from beyond the arc, as B.J. Mack and Jalen Finney hit a series of three-pointers to close the gap. Wofford’s ability to shoot the ball at a high level had always been one of their strengths, and they used this to get back into the game. Tennessee’s defense, which had been so effective in the first half, began to show signs of vulnerability as Wofford found their rhythm.

The Terriers went on a 7-0 run early in the second half, cutting the lead to 42-33. Tennessee, however, responded with a key stretch of their own, as Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka dominated the paint. Aidoo, who had been a force on both ends of the floor all season, was able to establish his presence down low, scoring efficiently while also blocking shots on the defensive end. Awaka’s rebounding and physicality also allowed Tennessee to maintain control, limiting Wofford’s second-chance opportunities.

The Volunteers used a balanced offensive attack to weather Wofford’s run. While Vescovi and Zeigler had continued to lead the offense, players like Tyreke Key and Julian Phillips stepped up with timely buckets. Key, known for his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, knocked down a critical three-pointer to silence the Wofford surge and push the lead back to double digits.

By the midway point of the second half, Tennessee had regained control, and the game started to feel like it was slipping away from Wofford. Tennessee’s defense clamped down once again, forcing tough shots and limiting the Terriers’ opportunities to score. The Volunteers began to pull away, with a series of dunks and fast-break points that showcased their athleticism and depth.

Key Performances and Statistics

As the game wound down, Tennessee’s depth and balanced attack became too much for Wofford to handle. Several players stepped up and contributed in big ways, but a few individuals stood out.

• Santiago Vescovi finished with a team-high 19 points, including three three-pointers. Vescovi’s ability to hit shots from the perimeter stretched Wofford’s defense and opened up driving lanes for his teammates.
• Zakai Zeigler contributed 12 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds, showcasing his all-around game and ability to control the pace of the game. His quickness and vision were critical in Tennessee’s fast breaks and transition offense.
• Jonas Aidoo had a strong showing with 10 points and 7 rebounds, dominating in the post and providing Tennessee with a much-needed presence in the paint. His defensive impact, including a pair of crucial blocks, was also a major factor in limiting Wofford’s inside scoring.
• Tobe Awaka played a pivotal role with 9 points and 8 rebounds, bringing energy and toughness to the floor. His second-chance points were especially valuable as they helped Tennessee maintain their lead.

For Wofford, Ryan Larson finished with a team-high 17 points and 6 assists, while B.J. Mack added 14 points and 5 rebounds. Despite their best efforts, the Terriers were unable to overcome the size and athleticism of the Volunteers, ultimately falling by a score of 77-62.

What’s Next for Tennessee?

With the win, Tennessee advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face a tougher test against [Opponent]. The Volunteers will need to continue to refine their defense and keep executing their balanced offensive game plan. One of Tennessee’s biggest strengths is its depth, and as the tournament progresses, this will be a key factor in their success.

The Volunteers have proven that they are capable of winning with a team-oriented approach, with multiple players stepping up when needed. The victory over Wofford not only gives them confidence but also keeps their championship aspirations alive. Tennessee’s blend of experience, skill, and leadership has made them a formidable contender, and their tournament journey is far from over.