Auburn tops Tennessee in top-10 battle at Neville Arena
The No. 1 Auburn Tigers passed a major test Saturday by taking down No. 7 Tennessee in front of the home crowd at Neville Arena in Auburn, 53-51.
The game was tight throughout, but it was far from the classic game that most fans were expecting. Both teams shot 31% from the field while connecting on less than 20% of its three-point tries. Tennessee connected on just one of its final seven field goal attempts while Auburn finished the game on a 6-0 run.
Senior guard Johni Broome returned from an ankle injury Saturday to score 16 points and secure 13 rebounds while blocking four shots. Chaney Johnson was next in line, scoring 10 points and reeling in four boards.
Re-live the excitement of Auburn’s win over Tennessee by checking out the photo gallery of Saturday’s game.
In a thrilling top-10 SEC showdown at Neville Arena on Saturday, January 25, 2025, the No. 1 Auburn Tigers narrowly defeated the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers with a final score of 53-51. The game was marked by intense defense and clutch performances, culminating in a decisive three-pointer by Miles Kelly in the final 30 seconds.
Game Highlights:
- Johni Broome’s Impact: Returning from a two-game absence due to an ankle injury, Johni Broome came off the bench to lead Auburn with 16 points. He made 7 of 19 field goal attempts, providing a significant boost to the Tigers’ offense.
Reuters
- Defensive Battle: Both teams struggled offensively, with Auburn shooting 31% (18 of 58) and Tennessee 31.5% (17 of 54) from the field. The first half was particularly challenging, as the teams combined to make just 1 of 21 three-point attempts. Auburn held a slim 22-20 lead at halftime.
Reuters
- Clutch Moments: With just over three minutes remaining, Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier hit a three-pointer to give the Volunteers a 48-47 lead. They extended this to 51-47, but Auburn responded with a 6-0 run, capped by Kelly’s game-winning three-pointer.
Reuters
Key Players:
- Auburn Tigers:
- Johni Broome: 16 points off the bench.
- Chaney Johnson: Contributed 10 points.
- Chad Baker-Mazara: Added 7 points, despite a hard fall in the first half.
- Tennessee Volunteers:
- Zakai Zeigler: Led with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
- Chaz Lanier: Scored 10 points.
- Felix Okpara: Grabbed a team-high 9 rebounds.
Venue Spotlight: Neville Arena
Neville Arena, formerly known as Auburn Arena, is a 9,121-seat multi-purpose facility on the Auburn University campus. Opened in 2010, it serves as the home for Auburn’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as women’s gymnastics and volleyball. The arena features modern amenities, including practice courts, a weight room, and the Lovelace Athletic Museum.
Looking Ahead:
This victory solidifies Auburn’s position at the top of the SEC standings, boasting an 18-1 overall record and a 6-0 mark in conference play. Tennessee, now 17-3 overall and 4-3 in the SEC, will look to rebound in their upcoming games.
The intense competition and defensive prowess displayed in this matchup underscore the strength of SEC basketball this season. Both teams are expected to make significant impacts as the season progresses.
