No. 12 Tennessee basketball defeated Gardner-Webb, 80-64, to win their first regular season game.
On Monday night, the Volunteers faced the Runnin’ Bulldogs for the first time in nine years. Although the team was not able to meet their favorable spread of 26.5 points, Tennessee basketball was able to stretch its victory by 16 points and improve to 35-3 all-time in home openers at Food City Center.
Three starters: Chaz Lanier with 18, Zakai Zeigler with 13, and Jahmai Mashack with 10, ended with double digits for the Volunteers. In addition, Jordan Gainey, a senior guard from Arizona, scored 16 points off the bench while only missing 2 shots.
On the other hand, Darryl Simmons of Gardner-Webb led the team in scoring 22. Anthony Selden and Jamaine Mann each added 13.
The Volunteers and the Runnin’ Bulldogs had a great rebounding battle with Gardner-Webb coming out on top 32 rebounds to Tennessee’s 29. Felix Okpara led the Volunteers’ rebounding with nine; Isaiah Richards led the way with eight for Gardner-Webb.
Takeaway #1: Defense wins games
Coach Rick Barnes’ defensive identity was portrayed in Monday night’s win over Gardner-Webb. Although he lost many veterans who knew his system, Barnes was able to instill that identity into his transfers and returning players who didn’t play as much last season.
The Volunteers played high-pressure defense all game which led to the Runnin’ Bulldogs committing 15 turnovers. Of those turnovers, the Volunteers stole the ball 9 times with Jahmai Mashack leading the way with his career high of 4.
Besides turnovers, Tennessee basketball forced Gardner-Webb into shooting 43.6% from the field and 26.1% from behind the arc.
Takeaway #2: Dalton Knecht replacement?
Before the season, there were many talks of how the Volunteers would look without superstar Dalton Knecht. Through the transfer portal, Tennessee basketball may have found its answer in Chaz Lanier.
Last season at North Florida, Lanier averaged 19.7 points on 51.0% from the field, 44.0% from 3, and 88.0% from the free throw line.
On Monday night, Lanier led the team with 18 points in 26 minutes, while shooting 7-12 from the field and 4-6 from three. His game is smooth, and he can score from every level.
The Volunteers will look forward to Lanier continuing his three-level scoring efficiently as the season progresses.
Takeaway #3: Push the pace
With Zakai Zeigler as the point guard, a fast pace is never a problem for Coach Barnes and the Volunteers. He looks to push the pace after every missed shot or turnover. Forwards Igor Milicic Jr, J.P. Estrella, and Cade Phillips fly down the court ready to be assisted by Zeigler.
Fast break points were a big success in Tennessee’s game, as they outscored Gardner-Webb 13-0 in that category. Tennessee is at its best when the defense isn’t able to set up in the halfcourt in time.
In most games, the Volunteers usually lead in fast break points, so they will look to continue to find success in that area.
The Volunteers will look to build upon this win as their travel schedule begins on Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky, when they play Louisville live on ACC Network at the KFC Yum! Center.
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Next up for Tennessee (1-0): at Louisville (1-0) – Nov. 9 at Noon
Next up for Gardner-Webb (0-1): at NC Central (0-1) – Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.