by Jack Glennon
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No matter what sport is in session, the Tennessee-Vanderbilt rivalry always seems to promise a close game filled with unpredictable twists. Saturday’s men’s basketball matinee on Rocky Top was no exception. No. 5 Tennessee was barely able to mount a comeback for an 81-76 win.
Vanderbilt came out of the visitors’ locker room with a 6-0 run to start the game. Though Tennessee answered with a 6-point burst of their own, the Commodores marched out to an eventual 38-22 lead, thanks to their red-hot (6-12) shooting from beyond the arc in the first half.
Vanderbilt dominated every aspect of this game in the first half, as they only committed 2 turnovers (UT: 3), outrebounded the Volunteers 21-10, scored 20 points in the paint (UT: 10), and got 15 points from their reserves (UT: 7). Tennessee did cut the lead to 13 before the halftime break, but only hung around thanks to Chaz Lanier’s 13 points and 5 rebounds, both team highs.
Tennessee responded with a 12-2 run in the second half, getting within 2 of the reeling Commodores. Vanderbilt’s shooting abilities vanished, as they started 2-7 from 3-point range to begin the second half. The Vols followed this with another 7-0 run to jump out to a 57-55 lead, their first of the night.
The visiting Commodores were able to keep it close until the end, thanks to a phenomenal performance by sophomore forward Jaylen Carey. Carey poured in 18 points on just 6 shot attempts, to go along with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Junior guard Jason Edwards scored a game-high 24 points on good efficiency (8-16 FG, 6-10 3FG).
But, in the end, these performances simply weren’t enough for the Commodores to leave the Food City Center with a weekend win. Tennessee outscored Vanderbilt 50-32 in the second half, which powered them the win.
After the game, Vanderbilt Head Coach Mark Byington told us, “…these teams are going to come back”.
Tennessee had 26 points in the paint in the second frame compared to Vanderbilt’s 8. This offensive outburst was led by senior guard Zakai Zeigler, who scored 22 points on 7/9 shooting in the second half alone (he also finished the game with 8 assists).
Chaz Lanier also starred, adding 8 second half points en route to a 21-8-1 stat line. I was able to talk to Chaz after the game, and I asked him what adjustments he’s made over the past few weeks to substantially raise his rebounding totals.
He told me, “I just try and do my job night in, night out, and… [use] my frame to go in there and get some rebounds [because] I know that’s what the team needs”.
Tennessee concluded the game with just 5 turnovers, and shot the ball with great efficiency, finishing 56% from the field, and 43% from deep.
After the game, I asked Tennessee Head Coach Rick Barnes how important it is for a team to finish games strong at this part of the season, and what adjustments can be made to have stronger first halves.
He said, “That’s a great question… we really got down tonight because of our defense… I’m going to [attribute] a little bit of it to the fact… Igor, [Dubar], Chaz… haven’t been at this level at this time of year…”.
Despite the win, one glaring issue remains evident for this Tennessee Volunteers team. Vanderbilt’s bench outscored that of the Volunteers 27-13, a shocking disparity. This alone further proves a lack of depth on this Tennessee team.
The forward play, in particular, has been particularly concerning. Cade Phillips scored just 1 point off the bench. And, while he is an effective rebounder and a serviceable defender, the Volunteers desperately need him to score off the bench.
And, outside of Jordan Gainey, the guard play has not been much stronger. Darlinstone Dubar once again failed to make a substantial impact, scoring 3 points in 6 minutes, without adding a single rebound or assist. Another lackluster output from the Tennessee reserves shows just how important it is for the Volunteers 7 rotational players to stay healthy.
The Vols are