NASHVILLE, Tn. — Chaz Lanier was unstoppable in the game’s opening minutes and Zakai Zeigler came alive in the second half as Tennessee basketball knocked off Texas 83-72 to advance to the SEC Tournament Semifinals.
After falling in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament the last two seasons, Tennessee advances to face Auburn on Saturday afternoon.
Here’s three quick takeaways on Tennessee’s victory over the Longhorns.
Welcome Home Chaz Lanier
Tennessee shooting guard Chaz Lanier opened the scoring in the game’s opening minutes, driving to the basket and finishing with his right hand. It was the beginning of a red-hot start to the game for Lanier.
Lanier made baskets at the 18:20, 15:58, 15:25, 13:07 and 11:14 marks in the first half. By the time the run ended, Lanier had scored 17 of Tennessee’s first 21 points as the Vols built a seven-point lead in the game’s first nine minutes. He did it on an incredibly efficient seven-of-nine shooting from the field.
The Nashville native did it at all three levels and gave Texas fits in the mid range. Maybe most impressive part is that Lanier scored in ways he hasn’t often this season. He made a contested finish off a back cut and a made a step back three-pointer.
Lanier did not keep his torrid pace but finished the game with 23 points on nine-of-15 shooting from the field and two-of-five shooting from three-point range.
After a bad ending in Tennessee’s loss at Vanderbilt, Lanier’s second game in Nashville this season went much better.
Texas Shoots Well But Tennessee Wins In The Margin
Playing its third game in three days including a double overtime victory on Thursday, there was good reason to believe that Texas would be tired and not play well on the offensive end against Tennessee.
But that was not the case for the Longhorns, especially in the first half. Despite playing well on the offensive end, Tennessee was unable to create any separation in the first half due to Texas’ strong offense. The Longhorns totaled 38 first half points and did it on a strong 56% shooting from the field and four-of-eight shooting from three-point range.
After hitting open three-pointers and tough shots at the rim and midrange in the first half, Texas offense slowed down in the second half. The Longhorns missed shots but that wasn’t how the Vols truly took control of the game.
The Vols found breathing room by making toughness plays. Tennessee out-rebounded Texas 32-27 on the glass and earned a 10-8 advantage in the turnover battle. That advantage was much more significant until some late miscues by Tennessee.
While Texas didn’t look tired shooting the basketball, Tennessee made them look tired when they competed on the glass.
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Zakai Zeigler Helps Tennessee Pull Away In Second Half
The Vols held a modest three-point lead at halftime in a game they led from the jump but struggled to create any separation. Tennessee found that separation early in the second half.
Zakai Zeigler, who took just one shot and didn’t score in the first half, sparked the Vols from the jump in the final two minutes. The senior point guard made tough shots at the basket in both of Tennessee’s first two possessions in the second half.
In the first 10 minutes of the second half, Zeigler scored 11 points and dished out three assists including the assist that made him Tennessee’s new single-season assist record holder. During the stretch, Tennessee pushed its lead to 15 points.
Zeigler wasn’t the only one playing well during the stretch either. Cade Phillips gave Tennessee a major spark after Felix Okpara picked up two fouls in a matter of seconds.
Tennessee’s defense also took it up to another level during that stretch. The Vols forced a number of turnovers and Jahmai Mashack was a pest on both the offensive and defensive end of the court.
Final Stats
Up Next
With the win, Tennessee advances to the SEC Tournament Semifinals where they’ll face Auburn on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff between the Vols and Tigers is at 1 p.m. ET at Bridgestone Arena. ESPN is broadcasting the game.
