KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a thrilling match on Monday night, Chaz Lanier led the charge for the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, scoring 23 points, while Zakai Zeigler had a remarkable performance with 17 points and 15 assists. Tennessee secured a comfortable 82-64 victory against a competitive Middle Tennessee team that sought to pull off an upset.
Felix Okpara contributed significantly to the win, adding 12 points, as Jordan Gainey chipped in with 10. Additionally, Igor Milicic Jr. was a strong presence on the boards, pulling down 12 rebounds. With this victory, the Volunteers improved their record to an impressive 12-0, marking one of the best starts in the history of the program.
The Blue Raiders, now at 9-4, showcased their strengths as a formidable mid-major team. Camryn Weston was instrumental off the bench with 24 points, while Kamari Lands added 13 points, making their contributions crucial in the match. After falling behind by double digits in the first half, Middle Tennessee rallied back with a 12-3 run that allowed them to take a brief lead. They finished the first half with a shooting percentage of 50%, having connected on 16 of 32 attempts, resulting in a 40-34 lead at halftime. Weston was on fire, scoring 17 points by the break, while Okpara had 10 for Tennessee. The Volunteers concluded the half shooting 40.7%, hitting 11 of 27 attempts.
Takeaways from the game highlight the transformation of Middle Tennessee, who have welcomed three key transfers that have rejuvenated their squad following a disappointing 14-19 season last year. New additions like Jlynn Counter from IUPUI, Lands from Arizona State, and Essam Mostafa from Coastal Carolina and TCU have provided a much-needed boost to the team’s performance. For Tennessee, the focus will need to shift to their upcoming matchup, approaching the game with a sense of urgency as they prepare to face Arkansas in their Southeastern Conference opener. They’ll also need to enhance their rebounding efforts to support their big men better.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred with around 13 minutes remaining when Lanier converted two crucial free throws, giving Tennessee a narrow 52-51 advantage. Just moments later, he sank a 3-pointer, expanding the lead to 55-51 and reinvigorating the Volunteers.
In terms of key statistics, Weston, who did not start for the Blue Raiders, had an impressive first half, scoring 17 points and finishing the game with 24.
Looking ahead, Middle Tennessee will visit Florida International on January 2, while Tennessee is set to face Norfolk State at home on December 31.
