Once again, the Tennessee Volunteers will make it to the Sweet 16. On Saturday night in Lexington, the second-seeded team in the Midwest defeated the seventh-seeded UCLA team by putting on a show in the latter half of the first half….

The Tennessee Volunteers have secured their third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance by defeating the UCLA Bruins 67-58 on Saturday night at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling offensively. Tennessee missed its first five field goal attempts, relying on free throws to stay competitive. Chaz Lanier broke the drought with a three-pointer, tying the game at 8-8. Lanier’s performance was notable, as he matched Chris Lofton’s program record for single-season three-pointers with his 118th successful shot from beyond the arc.

As the first half progressed, Tennessee found its rhythm, executing an 11-0 run that bridged halftime and provided a lead they would not relinquish. The Volunteers’ defense was instrumental, holding UCLA to 58 points and maintaining control throughout the second half. This victory marks Tennessee’s first-ever win over UCLA and their third consecutive Sweet 16 berth—a first in the program’s history.

Looking ahead, Tennessee is set to face the Kentucky Wildcats in the Sweet 16. This matchup is historic, as it will be the first time the two programs meet in the NCAA Tournament. The game is scheduled for Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The Volunteers’ consistent presence in the Sweet 16 underscores the program’s growth and competitiveness on the national stage. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Tennessee continues its pursuit of a national championship.

## NCAA Men’s Basketball Schedule

– UCLA Bruins (UCLA) @ Tennessee Volunteers (TENN) on Saturday, Mar 22, 2025 at 06:53 PM PDT with a final score of 58 (UCLA) – 67 (TENN)