KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Chaz Lanier had an outstanding performance, scoring 29 points to help the University of Tennessee, ranked No. 1, secure a decisive 76-52 victory against No. 23 Arkansas on Saturday. This win ties the Volunteers’ record for the best start to a season in the school’s history, matching the remarkable 14-0 start achieved by the 1922-23 team.
The Volunteers, now boasting a 14-0 overall record and a 1-0 start in the Southeastern Conference, displayed an impressive game, with Igor Milicic Jr. contributing significantly with 13 points and dominating the boards with 18 rebounds. Zakai Zeigler also played a crucial role, adding 12 points and 7 assists to the effort.
Tennessee’s shooting stats were promising, hitting 10 out of 26 attempts from beyond the arc for a 38.5% success rate, nearly outperforming their overall field goal percentage of 39.1%.
For Arkansas (11-3, 0-1), D.J. Wagner scored 17 points, while Boogie Fland contributed with 12 points.
Key Observations
For Arkansas, freshman guard Karter Knox has stepped up as a vital player this season, especially in light of Johnell Davis’s wrist injury. Knox’s increasing confidence as a scorer promises to be an asset for the Razorbacks moving forward.
On the other hand, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes faces the challenge of managing the workload of his eight-player rotation. Freshman guard Bishop Boswell, the final scholarship player on the team, is working to regain his form after dealing with a shoulder injury.
Turning Point
The game pivoted midway through the first half when Lanier scored seven consecutive points, leading to a nine-point run for the Volunteers. This momentum provided them with a comfortable lead that they maintained throughout the game.
Notable Statistic
Tennessee showcased a dominant performance on the boards, holding a 27-12 rebounding advantage in the first half and finishing the game with a commanding 51-29 lead in rebounds.
Looking Ahead
Next up, Arkansas will host No. 24 Ole Miss on Wednesday, while Tennessee will head to No. 6 Florida on Tuesday.
