Important win with Milicic and Zeigler back in action.
After missing the Florida rematch due to an injury, Zakai Zeigler announced his return with a three to cap things off. However, the offense stalled a bit throughout the first half. It took 4 minutes to score the next bucket to go up 5-0 before the first media timeout. As for the Tigers, Tony Perkins connected on a few threes to pick up their offense.
A stacked zone look throughout the first half gave UT trouble on offense. Additionally, 8 turnovers and going 0/4 on free throws prohibited the Vols from several scoring opportunities.
Back-to-back dunks by Cade Phillips and Igor Milicic narrowed the gap 23-21. Then the visitors zipped off to a 7-0 run to go up nine with 3:30 in the half, prompting a timeout from coach Barnes.
Some untimely breakdowns on the defensive end saw UT head to the locker room down 34-28. The second half did not start any better for the Vols; a Missouri three, a turnover, and a foul on a three-point shot dug the Vols into an 11-point hole. ‘Here we go again’ was the refrain.
But UT clawed back into the game. With back-to-back threes, and a Mizzou turnover sandwiched in the middle, UT slowly but surely had life once again and energized the orange-clad crowd.
Jordan Gainey and Chaz Lanier joined the three-point shooting party, helping pad UT’s stat in that regard. The Vols were 10/13 on threes at this point with 11 mins second half; miles ahead in terms of accuracy and efficiency compared to the previous week.
An and-one alley-oop to Okpara from a two-man play call brought Big Orange nation to its feet. A 75-61 score seemed to suggest it was all but over.
However, Mizzou would not go away, true to its scrappy nature. A 9-0 run made things much closer with 1:40 left to play. The pressure was suddenly on. But 10 points off free throws down the stretch sealed the deal for UT.
Takeaways
Wednesday night’s win was an optimistic turn for the Vols in terms of offense. 50% from the floor and 66% from three was a pleasure to watch, especially with the effort that came in the second half.
Making shots goes a long way in this conference. To put things simply, Tennessee needs more offensive consistency to achieve its first Final Four. Not living and dying by the three proved to be beneficial for UT in this game. They outscored Missouri 34-18 in the paint and had 10 more assists.
Igor and Zakai both had huge welcome-back performances of 21 points apiece, the former finishing with a double-double: 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Zeiger tallied four 3s (going 4/4), 7/7 on free throws, and claimed eight assists.
Fun fact, Missouri went 0-18 in the conference last year before its 6-2 SEC start this year. Yes, you read that right. 0-18! A remarkable turnaround for a scrappy bunch who gave the hometown Vols a tough game.
Next up for UT: a matchup against the Sooners over in Norman. Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday at noon ET.