Amber Aniston • December 3, 2024

Tennessee’s Depth Shines in 96-70 Victory Over Syracuse

The No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers continued their dominant start to the season with a commanding 96-70 win over Syracuse in the SEC/ACC Challenge at Thompson-Boling Arena. With this victory, the Volunteers improved to 8-0 for the first time since 2001, showcasing their depth, defensive intensity, and offensive versatility.


Chaz Lanier led the charge for Tennessee, scoring a season-high 26 points, including four 3-pointers in the second half. The Volunteers pulled away after halftime, outscoring the Orange 51-35 in the second frame, while shooting a blistering 57% from beyond the arc.


A Tale of Two Halves

Syracuse put up a fight in the first half, shooting 56% from the field and trailing by just 10 points at halftime, 45-35. Elijah Moore paced the Orange with 24 points off the bench, keeping the game within reach despite Tennessee’s relentless defensive pressure. However, the Vols’ second-half adjustments proved too much for Syracuse to handle.


Tennessee’s shooting woes from beyond the arc in the first half (2-for-15) vanished in the second half as they knocked down eight of 14 attempts. Jordan Gainey ignited the run, scoring 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting, including two key 3-pointers early in the half that pushed Tennessee’s lead to 20 points. Igor Milicic Jr. opened the second half with a three, setting the tone for the Vols’ offensive explosion.


Lanier and Depth Shine for Tennessee

Lanier’s all-around performance was complemented by significant contributions from Tennessee’s deep roster. Igor Milicic Jr. recorded his second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Cade Phillips added 12 points off the bench. Zakai Zeigler orchestrated the offense with 14 points and eight assists, including a highlight four-point play in the first half that electrified the crowd.


The Vols’ depth was on full display, with five players scoring in double figures. Their ability to rotate fresh legs throughout the game allowed Tennessee to maintain their defensive intensity and wear down Syracuse.


Syracuse Struggles Without Starling

Syracuse faced an uphill battle without their leading scorer, J.J. Starling, who missed the game with a hand injury. Elijah Moore stepped up admirably, but the Orange struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, especially in the second half. The team shot just 6-for-19 from beyond the arc and was outrebounded 39-26, limiting their second-chance opportunities.


Chris Bell and Donnie Freeman added 12 and 10 points, respectively, for Syracuse, but their efforts were not enough to overcome Tennessee’s overwhelming second-half surge.


Key Moments Define the Game

Midway through the first half, Tennessee went on a 10-0 run, capped by Zeigler’s four-point play, to take a 24-18 lead. Syracuse kept it close, but Tennessee’s second-half dominance began with Milicic’s three-pointer on the opening possession. Gainey and Lanier then took over, combining for five 3-pointers in the half to extend the lead to as much as 31 points.


The game’s defining sequence came with just over 12 minutes remaining, as Gainey hit back-to-back 3-pointers, followed by a Lanier alley-oop dunk that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. From there, Tennessee coasted to victory.


Looking Ahead

Tennessee’s performance against Syracuse highlights their potential as one of the nation’s most complete teams. The Vols will face Miami next in the Jimmy V Classic in New York City, followed by a road game at Illinois. With their balanced attack and depth, Tennessee looks poised to remain among the nation’s elite as they navigate a challenging non-conference schedule.


Syracuse, now 4-3, will look to regroup as they open ACC play against Notre Dame. Despite the loss, the Orange showed flashes of potential and will hope for Starling’s return to stabilize their offense moving forward.


Final Thoughts

Tennessee’s 96-70 win over Syracuse underscores their status as a legitimate national title contender. With a mix of experienced players, rising stars, and a stifling defense, the Volunteers are off to a historic start. As they prepare for tougher challenges, Tennessee’s depth and ability to make adjustments will be key to sustaining their early success.

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