KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Chaz Lanier scored 23 points and Zakai Zeigler had 17 points and 15 assists to lead No. 1 Tennessee past upset Middle Tennessee 82-64 on Monday night.
Felix Okpara added 12 points, Jordan Gainey had 10 and Igor Milicic Jr. grabbed 12 rebounds as the Volunteers (12-0) tied for the second-best start in program history.
The Blue Raiders (9-4), who look like a mid-major, got 24 points off the bench from Camryn Weston and 13 from Kamari Lands.
After trailing by double digits midway through the first half, Middle Tennessee went on a 12-3 run to take the lead. The Blue Raiders shot 50 percent (16 of 32) against one of the best defenses in the country and led 40-34 at halftime. Weston had 17 points. Okpara scored 10 for Tennessee, which shot 40.7 percent (11 of 27).
Takeaways
Middle Tennessee: Three key transfers helped turn things around after the frustration of a 14-19 finish last season. The Blue Raiders got instant production from Jlynn Counter (IUPUI), Lands (Arizona State) and Essam Mostafa (Coastal Carolina, TCU).
Tennessee: The Volunteers need to approach their next game with a sense of urgency. It’s the last opportunity to play before the Southeastern Conference schedule begins with a stern test of Arkansas. Tennessee needs to commit to helping its big men on boards.
Key moment
With about 13 minutes remaining, Lanier hit two free throws to give Tennessee a 52-51 lead. Less than a minute later, he made a 3-pointer to give the Vols a 55-51 lead.
Key statistic
Weston, who was not in the Blue Raiders’ starting lineup, entered the game averaging 10.7 points. He had 17 at halftime and finished with 24.
To be continued
Middle Tennessee visits Florida International on January 2, while the Vols host Norfolk State on December 31.
