Volunteer Country

Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Comeback Falls Short In Nashville

Tennessee defeated by Vanderbilt after Chaz Lanier misses game equalizing free throw.
Jan 18, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA;  Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) reacts after a made three against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) reacts after a made three against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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Tennessee defeated by Vanderbilt after Chaz Lanier misses game equalizing free throw.

Tennessee just wrapped up their contest with the in-state Vanderbilt Commodores. The game did not go as planned as the Volunteers were defeated by the Commodores. The final score was 76-75 in favor of Vanderbilt. Tennessee was granted a chance to tie but Chaz Lanier would miss the game equalizing free throw.

The game took place inside Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee’s terrors inside Memorial Gymnasium continued as they were up in the first and quickly gave up the lead to end the half.

Following the half they could never gain the lead back and the Commodores ran away with it until late. The Commodores' defense was excellent as well as their physicality down low with rebounds.

Tennessee played through the success of big man Felix Okpara on the offensive side of things as Okpara shot 7-for-7 with 16 points. He didn’t have as many rebounds as the team would’ve hoped for as he finished the game with four.

Tennessee started showing some life late in the game with some huge moments from star guard Zakai Zeigler however it wasn't soon enough for Rick Barnes and his team. Zeigler would still finish with a double-double.

Vanderbilt ran their offense through Jason Edwards who finished the game with 18 points.

Tennessee will be back home for a huge matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Tuesday with the hopes of bouncing back.

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Caleb Sisk
CALEB SISK

Caleb Sisk is a talented sports journalist from the state of Georgia. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sisk's passion for sports grew. Bringing years of recruiting coverage experience, he has been named a National Recruiting Reporter and covers various college sites on the On SI network. He takes pride in covering recruiting and has been featured by numerous companies for his excellent coverage and knowledge. He has also spent time at other companies, including Rivals, where he covered the Tennessee Volunteers.