Tennessee basketball advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament by earning an 83-49 blowout victory over Saint Peter’s on Thursday night.
Entering the game after consecutive losses, Tennessee came out with plenty of fire and jumped out to a 29-7 lead in the game’s first few minutes. The Vols were dialed in defensively from the jump holding Saint Peter’s to just three-of-20 shooting from the field to open the game.
On the offensive end, Tennessee’s top three options led the way. Dalton Knecht had a quiet 23 points on eight-of-15 shooting from the field and four-of-eight shooting from three-point range to go along with eight rebounds. Jonas Aidoo played just 20 minutes in the blowout win but sparked Tennessee’s offense early and totaled 15 points on five-of-six shooting from the field while grabbing six rebounds.
Zakai Zeigler was the high-level floor general he’s turned himself into, totaling 11 points and 10 assists for a double-double while turning it over just two times.
While shooting guard Santiago Vescovi didn’t have a huge night, he did knock down a pair of three-point attempts as he looks to break out of his shooting slump.
Following the game, RTI’s Ric Butler and Ryan Schumpert discussed Zeigler’s complete performance, the fast start and much more about the drama free win. Check it out here.
