Scouting Report: Key Insights on Tennessee Ahead of Auburn Matchup
As one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the SEC, all eyes will be on No. 1 Auburn as they host No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday night.
After securing a hard-fought victory on the road against then-No. 23 Georgia, Tennessee will present a more formidable challenge for Auburn, who remains without Johni Broome.
With a 17-1 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in SEC play, Auburn is the only team in the conference still unbeaten in league competition.
Here’s a closer look at Tennessee as they attempt to end Auburn’s win streak:
The Season So Far
Tennessee heads into this contest with a 17-2 record, having suffered two losses in SEC play, to Florida and Vanderbilt.
After reaching the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll earlier in the season, the Volunteers’ biggest wins include victories over then-No. 13 Baylor, No. 23 Arkansas, and No. 14 Mississippi State. They also secured a narrow 66-64 win over No. 17 Illinois in a non-conference road game. Tennessee ranks sixth in KenPom’s efficiency rankings, just behind Auburn.
Players to Watch
Transfer guard Chaz Lanier has emerged as a National Player of the Year contender, averaging 18.4 points per game. He’s shooting 41.6% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc.
“He’s made big shots, contested shots, and he can shoot from three,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said. “He’s improved defensively under Coach Barnes and is definitely a player who can win games for Tennessee. They need him to shoot well.”
Zakai Zeigler has been integral to Tennessee’s success, averaging 12.6 points and a team-high 7.6 assists. His defense is also a key asset, contributing 2.1 steals per game.
“A guy like Zakai is the key for them. He’s their main offensive and defensive engine. Great defensively and can press the ball by himself,” Auburn guard Denver Jones said. “Shutting him and Lanier down is crucial for our success.”
In the frontcourt, Igor Milicic and Felix Okpara both average over 10 points per game. Okpara also leads the team in blocks with 1.7 per game, while Milicic is the team’s leading rebounder, grabbing 8.4 boards per game.
Key to the Game
Tennessee has been a tough defensive team, allowing only 58.6 points per game. However, Auburn ranks 10th nationally, averaging 85.7 points per game.
If the Tigers can take control offensively early, like they did in previous games against Missouri, Texas, and Mississippi State, it will put immense pressure on Tennessee and could lead to a challenging night for the Volunteers.
