Tennessee's Lanier Shines in the Second Half to Secure Victory
Chaz Lanier's Late Game Magic
Chaz Lanier's performance in the second half was nothing short of extraordinary. After being scoreless for a significant portion, he stepped up when it mattered most. His ability to score from different areas of the court demonstrated his all-around game. Whether it was the midrange jumper that found its mark or the quick drives to the rim, Lanier showed why he is a key player for the Vols. His 11 points in the final minutes were the difference-maker as Tennessee held off Miami's comeback attempt.
His scoring spree not only boosted the team's morale but also secured a crucial win. It was a moment that will be remembered by Tennessee fans and showcased Lanier's ability to perform under pressure. His late-game heroics added a new chapter to his already impressive career and solidified his place as a vital asset to the team.
Zakai Zeigler's Steady Leadership
Zakai Zeigler has been a force to be reckoned with this season, and Tuesday was no exception. As a senior point guard, he had the game under his control from the start. His ability to distribute the ball and create scoring opportunities for his teammates is what makes him an All-American-level player. In three straight games, he had at least eight assists, and in four of his past five games entering Tuesday, he continued to showcase his playmaking skills.
Against Miami, Zeigler's 13 points and nine assists were crucial in leading the Vols to victory. His steady leadership on the court helped the team maintain their composure and execute their game plan. Zeigler's performance is a testament to his experience and ability to rise to the occasion, making him an essential part of Tennessee's success.
Tennessee's Shooting Success at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden has not been a friendly venue for Tennessee's 3-point shooting in recent times. However, on Tuesday, the Vols defied the odds and had no issues shooting the ball. They opened the game with a 4-for-6 performance on 3-pointers and finished the first half with 7-for-17. This was a significant improvement over their previous games at the arena, where they struggled to make 3-pointers.
The Vols ended up shooting 10-for-25 on threes, showing their improved shooting touch. In contrast, in previous games at Madison Square Garden, they were 6-for-23 in a Sweet 16 loss to Florida Atlantic in March 2023 and 6-for-39 in an overtime loss to Texas Tech in December 2021, shooting a combined 19.4% from three. This turnaround in shooting was a key factor in Tennessee's victory and demonstrated their ability to adapt and perform well in different environments.
Darlinstone Dubar's Absence and Impact
Darlinstone Dubar's absence due to concussion protocol was felt by the team. The senior guard, who averages 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 10.3 minutes per game in four games, did not play against Miami. He had been attending to an undisclosed personal matter and was unable to take the court.
His absence left a void in the team's lineup, but the Vols were able to overcome it with the contributions of other players. It remains to be seen when Dubar will be able to return and contribute to the team's success.
Tennessee will now face Illinois on Saturday (5:30 p.m. ET, FOX) in their final power-conference game before SEC play begins in January. The team will look to build on their recent success and continue their rise to the top.