Inside the Tennessee basketball timeout that stopped Auburn run in Vols' SEC Tournament win
NASHVILLE — Zakai Zeigler and Dylan Cardwell raised their arms over their heads at the same time Saturday.
The Tennessee basketball guard and the Auburn forward had vastly different reasons for doing so in the SEC Tournament semifinals. Cardwell implored Auburn fans at Bridgestone Arena to unleash noise. Zeigler and the Vols sought a reprieve.
Zeigler paced to the Vols bench clapping his hands before taking over the huddle with less than five minutes to play.
“ ‘We are good.’ When they went on that run, that is all he said,” Vols assistant coach Lucas Campbell said.
The Vols called timeout after Auburn scored 10 points in 45 seconds, vaporizing the bulk of a 12-point Tennessee lead. Tennessee settled down and held the Tigers to five points in the final 4:48 to win 70-65 and reach the SEC Tournament title game Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ESPN).
How Zakai Zeigler ‘puts a battery’ in his teammates
Zeigler oozed confidence and positivity in that huddle.
The senior has been in every situation imaginable. He has played in tight postseason games and elite matchups. Saturday surely felt like a pressure-packed scene to most, but it didn’t Zeigler.
“We have been in a lot of big-time moments,” Zeigler said. “Not only myself but Jahmai (Mashack) and Jordan (Gainey). We have been in tough moments. I feel like guys seeing us take a pause and stay calm, that puts a battery in their back. They think they are fine, too.”
Auburn (28-5) had scored on six straight possessions before the Tennessee (27-6) timeout.
The Vols took a 62-50 lead with 6:58 to play after Gainey soared for a key rebound between Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara. Auburn made it a 64-60 lead with a 3-pointer, two free throws and another 3-pointer.
The lead shrunk to two when Broome — the SEC player of the year — scored again.
“As long as we sustain their run and don’t let it get too out of hand, we will be perfectly fine,” Zeigler said.
Zeigler again stabilized the Vols in a timeout after the 10-0 Auburn run. He preached getting a stop. Felix Okpara provided it. Broome missed a shot and tried for an offensive rebound. Okpara won the fight.
“We went out and got a stop on that one,” Campbell said. “It feels like it resets.”
How Tennessee got the stops it needed to beat Auburn
Vols assistant coach Rod Clark preached winning 50-50 balls against Auburn. The Vols lost too many of those in a 53-51 loss at Auburn in January.
That is a way Tennessee could win the game.
Okpara got the first when he got the Vols the stop they needed. Cade Phillips got the next, tipping in a Chaz Lanier miss for a crucial two points.
“This was an Elite Eight, Final Four matchup right here,” Gainey said. “Just being able to see how we handle adversity throughout the game was really good. … We were ready for it.”
Gainey all but sealed the win when he rolled around an Okpara screen and beat Cardwell to the rim. He lofted a lefty layup off the glass for a five-point lead with 2:23 to play.
Auburn scored three points and made only one field goal in the final 4:10.
“It is the ultimate confidence-booster of us understanding we are one of the toughest teams in the country — if not the toughest team in the country,” Clark said of the win.
The Vols already believed that about themselves. The 5-foot-9 tone-setter wearing No. 5 is a central reason why. He was that again Saturday, strolling into a timeout and guiding the Vols onward on the SEC Tournament.
“He is built for big games because he has been in a million of them,” Clark said.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Zakai Zeigler: Tennessee basketball star's timeout talk key vs Auburn
-
Auburn is tough, but Tennessee basketball was 'relentless' in SEC Tournament win | Estes
The Nashville Predators reminded Tennessee basketball to be relentless at the SEC Tournament. The Vols were just that in beating top-seeded Auburn.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
How Tennessee basketball bracketology changed with win vs Auburn in SEC tournament
Tennessee basketball didn't hop to a No. 1 seed with its win against Auburn, but it improved its projections for March Madness.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Tennessee advances to SEC Tournament title game after Auburn win
Tennessee beats Auburn to advance to the SEC Tournament championship game on Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Tennessee versus Auburn basketball TV channel, streaming in SEC Tournament
A look at TV channel and streaming information for Tennessee versus Auburn basketball in the SEC Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Tennessee knocks off Auburn in men's SEC basketball tournament semifinal
No. 3 Auburn was knocked off by No. 6 Tennessee in the men's SEC basketball tournament semifinal.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Inside Tennessee baseball's nine-run seventh inning to crush Florida
Tennessee baseball scored nine runs in the seventh inning to run-rule Florida, clinching the Vols' first SEC series of the season.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Tennessee's Zakai Zeigler, Auburn's Miles Kelly get double technical fouls in SEC Tournament
Zakai Zeigler and Miles Kelly were issued double technical fouls in Tennessee basketball vs Auburn on Saturday in the SEC Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Vols fall in SEC title game, await NCAA Tournament opponent
Florida basketball defeats Tennessee in the SEC Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
How To Watch Texas Longhorns take on Tennessee Vols in SEC Tournament to secure NCAA bid
Here's how to watch the Texas Longhorns take on the Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Tournament. A Texas win should get it into the NCAA Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
College basketball fans react to Auburn's SEC Tournament loss to Tennessee
From Pat Adams to NCAA Tournament fate, Auburn and college basketball fans alike shared concerns following the Tigers' most recent loss.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
ESPN predicts Saturday's SEC Tournament semifinal game between Tennessee and Auburn
The Auburn Tigers won a tough game on Friday against Ole Miss 62-57 and now looks to get another win over the Tennessee Volunteers.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Tennessee basketball vs Florida prediction, pick: SEC Tournament championship game scouting report
Tennessee and Florida are playing for a third time this season in the SEC Tournament title game. The Vols and Gators split regular-season meetingsYahoo Sports - 3d -
Florida basketball takes down Tennessee Volunteers to claim SEC Tournament championship
For the fifth time in program history, the Florida Gators are SEC Tournament champions, following a convincing win over the Tennessee Volunteers.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Texas vs Tennessee TV channel, prediction: How to watch SEC basketball tournament game
Texas basketball and freshman Tre Johnson are on fire in the SEC Tournament, but a win over Tennessee would guarantee a spot in the NCAA Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Florida basketball fans, media respond to Gators' SEC Tournament Finals win over Tennessee
After Florida basketball's 86-77 win over the Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Tournament Finals, Gator Nation responded with elation on social mediaYahoo Sports - 2d -
How to watch Auburn vs Tennessee today: Time, TV channel for SEC Tournament semifinal
It's Auburn vs Tennessee in SEC Tournament semifinal. Here's how to watch, including time, channel, TV schedule and streaming info.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Auburn vs. Tennessee prediction, odds, spread, time: 2025 SEC Tournament picks, best bets from proven model
SportsLine's model simulated Tennessee Volunteers vs. Auburn Tigers in the SEC Tournament semifinals on Saturday 10,000 timesCBS Sports - 3d -
SEC basketball tournament bracket, schedule: Can Auburn still run the table in Nashville?
After a dominant run through the SEC, the Tigers have lost their last two games. Will they bounce back as the top seed in the conference tournament?Yahoo Sports - Mar. 9 -
Gators win SEC Tournament title, secure No. 1 seed in NCAAs
A day after setting an SEC Tournament scoring record, No. 4 Florida got defensive to beat Tennessee in the title game and earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAAs. Following a 86-77 win over the No. 8 Vols, ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Lady Vols' NCAA Tournament basketball history
A look at Tennessee's women's basketball history in the NCAA Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
SEC Tournament - Tennessee vs. Auburn Predictions: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Recent Stats
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Auburn Tigers Game PreviewYahoo Sports - 4d -
Chaz Lanier was that dude for Tennessee basketball vs. Texas — and Vols need more | Estes
Tennessee basketball needs Chaz Lanier to pick up where Dalton Knecht left off. He showed he could in first half vs. Texas in 2025 SEC Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Florida baseball drops first game of SEC play vs. Tennessee Vols
Florida had its chance to win its first game of SEC baseball in 2025, but the Tennessee Volunteers came out on top Friday night.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
ESPN's Joe Lunardi indicates Tennessee basketball unlikely to be a No. 1 seed
Tennessee is unlikely to be a No. 1 seed regardless of its result against Auburn on Saturday in the SEC Tournament, according to ESPN's Joe Lunardi.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Can Tennessee basketball reach Final Four in March Madness bracket? Our prediction
Can Tennessee basketball reach NCAA bracket’s Final Four? Our 2025 March Madness predictions show how Vols can make run in tournament.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Tennessee advances to SEC Tournament semifinals after never trailing to Texas
Tennessee does not trail in win against Texas in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Tennessee-Texas basketball injury report for SEC Tournament quarterfinals
A look at the final injury report for the Tennessee-Texas basketball game on Friday in the SEC Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
What time is Tennessee basketball playing Texas in SEC Tournament?
A look at TV channel and streaming information for Tennessee versus Texas basketball in the SEC Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Tennessee versus Florida basketball TV channel, streaming in SEC Tournament
A look at TV channel and streaming information for Tennessee versus Florida basketball in the SEC Tournament championship game.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Tennessee vs. Florida Livestream: How to Watch the SEC Basketball Championship Online
It’s down to the Vols and the Gators in this year’s SEC basketball championship — here’s how to watch the game without cableYahoo Sports - 2d -
SEC baseball weekend recap: LSU, Alabama, and Tennessee bring out the brooms
It was an exciting opening weekend of baseball for the SEC. Tennessee notched a sweep of a top 10 opponent while Auburn wins on a grand slam.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Auburn basketball's NCAA Tournament résumé, bracketology projections before Selection Sunday
After it got bounced from the SEC Tournament on Saturday, here's where Auburn basketball's SEC Tournament odds stand ahead of Selection Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Title tilt set: Scouting report, prediction, Florida basketball vs Tennessee in SEC Tournament finals
Florida basketball gets a third meeting with Tennessee in the SEC Tournament finals Sunday at Bridgestone Arena in NashvilleYahoo Sports - 2d -
Tennessee women's basketball March Madness predictions: Where Lady Vols could land in NCAA bracket
Where Kim Caldwell and Lady Vols basketball’s March Madness predictions stand on Selection Sunday, when the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket is revealed.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Tennessee basketball's Jahmai Mashack felt disrespected. Texas' Tre Johnson paid the price
Jahmai Mashack was the primary defender guarding Texas star Tre Johnson, who was held to 11 points in Tennessee basketball's win in the SEC Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Ole Miss basketball vs Auburn prediction in SEC tournament quarterfinals, injury updates
Predictions and picks as Ole Miss faces Auburn in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament. Plus, injury updates and latest news.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
What time is Tennessee basketball vs Texas today? Time, TV schedule to watch SEC Tournament game
Tennessee basketball and Texas will face off on Friday in the SEC Tournament. Here's how to watch, including start time, TV channel and more:Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Where Tennessee basketball stands in March Madness bracket predictions
Where Tennessee Vols basketball March Madness bracketology and predictions stand on Selection Sunday, when the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealedYahoo Sports - 2d -
These 5 teams could bust Auburn basketball's bracket, halt NCAA Tournament title run
Auburn basketball is the top team in this year's NCAA Tournament, but there are a few teams on its side of the bracket who reek of upset potential.Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Bucks vs. Warriors: How to watch, stream, lineups, injury report for Tuesday
Before the Warriors meet the Bucks, here's all the info you need for Tuesday's contest, including how to watch.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Islanders complete third-period comeback to beat Penguins, 4-2
Pierre Engvall scored the tiebreaking goal in New York’s four-goal third period, and the Islanders rallied to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Tuesday night.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Nets player grades: D'Angelo Russell has 18 in 104-96 loss at Celtics
Here are the Brooklyn Nets player grades following Tuesday's 104-96 loss at the Boston Celtics.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Luka Doncic calls one Lakers player 'a promising rookie'
One Lakers rookie showed Luka Doncic some real promise in Monday's win over the Spurs.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Photos: A toast to Harry Caray — and a curse-breaking ceremony with a 1919 Black Sox baseball
A ceremony was held during the 27th annual toast to the late broadcaster Harry Caray on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in hopes of breaking a purported Chicago White Sox “curse.” The event, held at ...Yahoo Sports - 16m
More in Sports
-
Bucks vs. Warriors: How to watch, stream, lineups, injury report for Tuesday
Before the Warriors meet the Bucks, here's all the info you need for Tuesday's contest, including how to watch.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Islanders complete third-period comeback to beat Penguins, 4-2
Pierre Engvall scored the tiebreaking goal in New York’s four-goal third period, and the Islanders rallied to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Tuesday night.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Nets player grades: D'Angelo Russell has 18 in 104-96 loss at Celtics
Here are the Brooklyn Nets player grades following Tuesday's 104-96 loss at the Boston Celtics.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Luka Doncic calls one Lakers player 'a promising rookie'
One Lakers rookie showed Luka Doncic some real promise in Monday's win over the Spurs.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Photos: A toast to Harry Caray — and a curse-breaking ceremony with a 1919 Black Sox baseball
A ceremony was held during the 27th annual toast to the late broadcaster Harry Caray on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in hopes of breaking a purported Chicago White Sox “curse.” The event, held at ...Yahoo Sports - 16m