Chaz Lanier scored 29 points to lead No. 1 Tennessee over No. 23 Arkansas 76-52 on Saturday and tie for the best start to a season in program history.
The Volunteers (14-0, 1-0 SEC) are tied with the 1922-23 team for the best start, according to the school.
Igor Milicic Jr. had 13 points and 18 rebounds. Zakai Zeigler had 12 points and seven assists.
Tennessee shot almost better from 3-point range (38.5%, 10 of 26) than from the field (39.1%, 27 of 69).
DJ Wagner had 17 points and Boogie Fland 12 for Arkansas (11-3, 0-1).
Takeaways
Arkansas: Freshman guard Karter Knox has been the “X” factor for the Razorbacks so far this season. His role has increased of late as he replaces Johnell Davis, who is dealing with a wrist injury. He is becoming more and more comfortable as a scorer.
Tennessee: Trying to alleviate the stress of some heavy minutes for his eight-man rotation is Vols coach Rick Barnes’ challenge. Freshman guard Bishop Boswell, the ninth – and final – scholarship player on Tennessee’s roster, has been limited by a shoulder injury. He’s back in shape.
Key moment
With the game tied at 12 midway through the first half, Lanier scored seven straight points and the Vols went on a nine-point run and regained some breathing room they never lost.
Key statistic
Tennessee built up a 27-12 rebounding advantage in the first half and finished the game with a 51-29 advantage.
To be continued
Arkansas will host No. 24 Ole Miss on Wednesday while Tennessee travels to No. 6 Florida on Tuesday.
Associated Press reporting.
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