Tennessee basketball struggled offensively as they struggled to gain separation in the first half of its Baha Mar Championship matchup against Virginia on Thursday night.
But the Vols’ offense exploded in the second half as Tennessee coasted to a 64-42 victory over Virginia in the Bahamas. Here’s three quick takeaways.
A Tale Of Two Halves Offensively
Back in December of 2012, Tennessee and Virginia faced off in an ugly basketball game where the Cavs pulled ahead to earn a 46-38 victory.
This November meeting 12 years later had a very similar feel through the first 20 minutes with the Vols clinging to a 22-21 lead at halftime. But Tennessee avoided that fate for themselves offensively, exploding for 42 second half point.
Tennessee shot the ball better in the second half, making five-of-13 three pointers thanks to a major offensive explosion from Chaz Lanier. But the biggest difference offensively from the first to second half is that Tennessee turned it over just one time in the second half.
Pair that with another dominant defensive half and the Vols cruised to the victory to open the event.
Zakai Zeigler Struggles But Chaz Lanier Picks Him Up
Tennessee basketball largely crafted its roster around Zakai Zeigler this offseason by adding strong shooters and a strong lob threat in the transfer portal this offseason. With that decision, Tennessee’s offense is largely going to go as Zeigler goes this season.
With Zeigler struggling against Virginia, Tennessee’s offense largely struggled. The senior point guard had his worst shooting performance of the season, finishing the game with just two points on one-of-nine shooting from the field. Zeigler also was not at his best creating for his teammates. He totaled a respectable six assists but wasn’t as dominant facilitating as he often is
But with Zeigler struggling, North Florida transfer Chaz Lanier stepped up. The most highly touted member of Tennessee’s transfer class was the best shooter in the portal and he provided instant offense for Tennessee.
Lanier started modestly. He scored eight points in the first half and made just three of his first 13 shots from the field. But after missing his first three shots in the second half, Lanier caught fire. The super senior scored 11 points in just a 2:09 including three straight made triples. That was a big part of a 15-3 run that saw Tennessee take control of the game and push its lead to 13 points.
More From RTI: Tennessee Basketball Center JP Estrella Ruled Out For Baha Mar Championship With Foot Injury
Tennessee Controls The Glass
Virginia is not a good offensive rebounding team but with its pack line defense, the Hoos excel on the defensive glass. Despite that, Tennessee was fantastic on the offensive glass on Thursday night.
The Vols totaled 18 offensive rebounds and turned them into 19 second half points. That was particularly pertinent in the first half when Tennessee scored eight of its 22 points on second chance opportunities.
Igor Milicic Jr was particularly strong on the offensive glass, grabbing six of his eight boards on that end of the court.
Tennessee was strong on the defensive glass, out rebounding Virginia 43-34 over the course of the game and earning a 19-5 advantage on second chance points. That dominant advantage was one of the big keys in the game.
Final Stats
Up Next
Tennessee basketball concludes play at the Baha Mar Championship on Friday night against Baylor. Tipoff is at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET with CBS Sports Network broadcasting the game.
