NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The University of Tennessee used a 13-1 run in the second half to pull away from Auburn University 70-65 Saturday and advance to the final round of the SEC Tournament.
The game started at a frenetic pace. Auburn led 15-14 before the first TV timeout. Both teams settled in defensively. The Vols turned to Zakai Zeigler and Chaz Lanier in the first half. The duo combined for 21 first-half points. Tennessee struggled to slow down Johni Broome. He had 12 points in the first half. Auburn led 33-32 at the break.
Tennessee took care of business at the charity stripe, with 25 of the Vols’ 70 points coming from the free-throw line.
Tennessee guard Jordan Gainey (11) shoots against Auburn forward Johni Broome (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Auburn in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Auburn forward Chris Moore (5) reacts to being called on a foul against Tennessee during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) celebrates after a basket against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Auburn forward Ja’Heim Hudson, right bottom and Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) battle for a loose ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes watches play against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Auburn forward Chaney Johnson (31) and Tennessee forward Felix Okpara (34) chase a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) heads to the basket against Tennessee during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Auburn guard Denver Jones (2) loses the ball against Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack (15) and Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara (10) chase a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Zeigler continued to lead the Vols’ offense. The senior finished with 20 points and four assists. Jordan Gainey poured in 15, and Lanier chipped in 12.
Tennessee contained Auburn outside of Broome. The senior finished with 23 points. The rest of the Tigers only scored 42.
UP NEXT: The Vols will play the winner of the game between the University of Alabama and the University of Florida in the SEC Tournament final at noon on Sunday, March 16.
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