Tennessee Basketball Eyes Historic Records in SEC Tournament

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As Tennessee basketball embarks on postseason play at the SEC Tournament this weekend, two Volunteers are positioned to shatter program records. Point guard Zakai Zeigler is on the brink of breaking the single-season assist record, while shooting guard Chaz Lanier is chasing the single-season three-pointers record.

Zeigler, a senior, requires just four more assists to surpass Rodney Woods’ long-standing record of 227 assists set during the 1974-75 season. This season, Zeigler has recorded fewer than four assists in only three games, making it likely he will break the record during Tennessee’s SEC Tournament opener on Friday.

The quest for Zeigler’s career assist record, however, is more uncertain. He currently holds 696 career assists, requiring 19 to tie Johnny Darden’s record of 715 assists, and 20 to claim the all-time assist record. With a few victories in the tournament, Zeigler’s chances to achieve both the single-season and career records appear promising.

Lanier, a North Florida transfer, concluded the regular season with 105 made three-pointers, trailing only Chris Lofton in Tennessee history. To break Lofton’s single-season record of 118, set during his senior campaign, Lanier must net 14 more three-pointers. Achieving this requires both extraordinary shooting and Tennessee advancing deep into the tournament.

Both players received recognition this week, landing spots on the All-SEC teams. Coaches selected Zeigler for the first team and Lanier for the second, while the Associated Press acknowledged them in reverse. Additionally, Zeigler was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and Lanier garnered Newcomer of the Year honors.

Tennessee’s basketball program is also celebrating this week as both Zeigler and Lanier earned All-American status from the Sporting News, marking the first time Tennessee teammates received these honors in the same season since Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld.

Entering the SEC Tournament, Tennessee faces Texas for the second time this season. The Longhorns, fresh off a double-overtime victory against Texas A&M, will present a challenge. However, Tennessee, who enjoyed a double-bye, is looking for a deeper run than last year’s early exit.

The Vols’ defense, ranked as the best in the nation, may give them an edge against a fatigued Texas squad. Historical matchups between the two teams indicate tightly contested, low-scoring affairs, making predictions difficult. Nevertheless, odds favor Tennessee, forecasting a close victory. A final score of Tennessee 70, Texas 60 is anticipated.