Tennessee Volunteers Make Epic Comeback: Overcome 16-Point Deficit to Triumph Over Vanderbilt, 81-76

In a thrilling matchup, the No. 5 Tennessee men’s basketball team overcame a tough challenge from rival Vanderbilt, winning 81-76 at home on Saturday in Knoxville.

Things looked tense for Tennessee as they trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half. With just under five minutes left in the game, Chaz Lanier hit a crucial 3-pointer to put the Volunteers ahead 67-64. Jahmai Mashack followed up with another 3 just over two minutes later, stretching the lead to 74-70.

Vanderbilt’s Jason Edwards couldn’t be ignored, though. He scored 11 straight points, keeping the Commodores within striking distance. But Zakai Zeigler sealed the win for the Volunteers with a layup in the final seconds, making it a two-possession game. This victory improved Tennessee’s record to 21-5 overall and 8-5 in SEC play.

The first half was tough for Tennessee. They found themselves down 42-26 with a little over two minutes left. Vanderbilt shot an impressive 55% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, dominating early on. The halftime score showed Vanderbilt leading 44-31, marking the most points the Volunteers had allowed in a half this season. Additionally, they were heavily outrebounded, 21-10, in that first half.

In contrast, the second half was much better for Tennessee. After some well-timed adjustments, they quickly cut the deficit to 52-50 and even tied the game at 55-55. Zeigler was a standout, pouring in all his 22 points in the second half and providing eight assists while shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Lanier added 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Mashack contributed nine points and six boards.

For Vanderbilt, Edwards led with 24 points, including six 3-pointers, while Jaylen Carey added 18 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in the game. Coach Mark Byington noted that Tennessee’s home court was tough to conquer, admitting his team still has work to do to reach that level.

This win means Tennessee splits the season series with Vanderbilt, having lost a close game in Nashville earlier in January. The Volunteers will take a week off before heading to No. 8 Texas A&M for another big matchup next Saturday. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt will visit No. 15 Kentucky this Wednesday.