KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Igor Milicic Jr. delivered an impressive performance with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, leading No. 11 Tennessee to a decisive 92-57 victory over Montana on Wednesday evening.
The Volunteers exhibited a strong offensive display, with Chaz Lanier, Felix Okpara, and Cameron Carr each contributing 13 points. Zakai Zeigler also played a vital role, recording 11 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.
Milicic, standing at 6-foot-10, showcased his versatility by adding two steals and making two shots from beyond the arc.
On the Montana side, Money Williams emerged as the standout player, scoring a remarkable 30 points to lead the Grizzlies, who fell to a 2-2 record.
**Observations**
Montana faced challenges due to the inexperience of its squad; six out of nine players in their rotation are newcomers to the team, which has created a steep learning curve early in the season, especially when competing against a top-ranked team like Tennessee.
For Tennessee, a recent game against Gardner-Webb raised red flags. The Vols allowed the opposing team 64 points, with over half of those points (34) scored in the paint. Following this, head coach Rick Barnes stressed the importance of enhancing their defensive game in that area. Although Tennessee limited Louisville to just 10 points in the paint, they struggled a bit against Montana, allowing 22 points.
**Turning Point**
The game shifted significantly early in the second half when Tennessee commenced a 13-2 run, which expanded their nine-point halftime lead to an 18-point margin. Chaz Lanier particularly shined during this stretch, scoring eight points in that flurry.
**Notable Statistic**
Tennessee experienced difficulties with ball control, committing nine turnovers in the first half. However, they drastically improved in the second half, tallying just one turnover in the first 14 minutes, which allowed them to stretch their lead to 23 points.
**Upcoming Games**
Montana will look to rebound as they prepare for a matchup against Utah State on Monday, while Tennessee will host Austin Peay on Sunday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.