Vols Rally from 16-Point Deficit to Defeat Commodores

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a 16-point deficit to defeat the Vanderbilt Commodores 80-76 on Saturday. The victory not only avenged an earlier loss this season but also marks a significant moment in Tennessee’s quest for postseason success.

Tennessee’s resurgence was fueled by standout performances in the second half from guard Zakai Zeigler, who scored 22 points, and Chaz Lanier, who added 21 points. Zeigler also contributed eight assists, showcasing his leadership and playmaking ability following a challenging first half.

The game began slowly for the Volunteers, who found themselves trailing 8-4 after committing several turnovers. Lanier’s deep three-pointer from the left wing shortly after provided a spark, bringing the score to 8-7 just three minutes into the game. Nevertheless, Tennessee’s defense struggled early, allowing Vanderbilt to shoot 71% from the floor in the opening minutes.

As Vanderbilt surged to a 27-17 lead with 8:42 left in the first half, Tennessee’s lack of energy became evident. The Volunteers faced a significant challenge, trailing 38-24 with four minutes remaining in the half. Igor Millicic Jr. hit a three-pointer at the end of the half, but Tennessee still fell short at 44-31 going into the locker room.

Coming out of halftime, Tennessee began to chip away at Vanderbilt’s lead. Following several consecutive baskets, Zeigler’s skillful execution earned the Vols a massive three-pointer, reigniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. A dunk by teammate Felix Okpara prompted a Vanderbilt timeout as the Commodores’ lead shrank to eight points.

With renewed momentum, Zeigler converted an and-one layup, followed by Jordan Gainey hitting two free throws, capping a 9-0 run that brought Tennessee within striking distance at 50-45. Zeigler then tied the game at 52-52 with a pivotal corner triple, marking the beginning of a series of lead changes.

As the game reached its final minutes, Lanier’s clutch three-pointer at 4:50 gave the Vols a 67-63 edge. However, Vanderbilt’s Jaylen Carey responded with a powerful dunk, although he later fouled out, further complicating the Commodores’ hopes. In the remaining moments, both teams exchanged leads, with the score knotted at 67-67 after Milicic’s foul on Jason Edwards at the three-point line.

With the clock winding down, Zeigler drove to the basket to put Tennessee ahead, only to see Vanderbilt reclaim the lead with a three-pointer. The tension escalated as Zeigler hit crucial free throws, putting the score at 71-70 before Jahmai Mashack extended the lead to four with another vital three-pointer.

As the game approached its conclusion, Gainey made a driving layup, but Edwards responded with a three-pointer that closed the gap to just two points at 76-78. However, Zeigler sealed the victory with a decisive layup, confirming Tennessee’s hard-fought comeback.