In a thrilling matchup on March 22, 2025, the Tennessee Volunteers triumphed over the UCLA Bruins with a score of 67-58 in the NCAA Tournament's second round, setting a program record by advancing to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year.
Chaz Lanier was the star of the night for Tennessee, shooting exceptionally from beyond the arc by making 4 of his 5 three-point attempts, ultimately contributing 20 points to the team's total. This performance not only led his team to victory but also saw him etch his name in the history books by breaking the previous single-season record for three-pointers made at Tennessee, finishing the game with a total of 120, surpassing Chris Lofton's long-standing record of 118 set during the 2007-08 season. Lofton, watching from the stands, surely felt pride witnessing Lanier’s remarkable achievement.
The Volunteers, boasting an impressive season record of 29 wins against 7 losses, will now face either sixth-seeded Illinois or third-seeded Kentucky in their next game, scheduled for Sunday in Milwaukee. The excitement builds toward the Midwest Region semifinals which will occur on Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Tennessee showcased their defensive prowess throughout the game, managing to restrict UCLA to just 58 points, marking the fewest the Bruins have scored in a loss this season. Coach Rick Barnes' squad demonstrated a tenacious approach, particularly in the final stretch of the first half, holding UCLA without a basket for the last 3:21, allowing them to build crucial momentum. At halftime, the Volunteers had established a solid lead of 32-25.
While Lanier shone, other players like Zakai Zeigler, who added 15 points, and Jordan Gainey, contributing 13 points, played vital roles in the Volunteers' offensive efforts, helping them to extend their advantage to as much as 19 points late in the game.
For UCLA, despite a valiant effort, the team saw an early exit from the tournament, the program’s earliest since Mick Cronin became head coach. The Bruins concluded their season with a mark of 23-11. Skyy Clark, a pivotal player for UCLA throughout the season, found himself in foul trouble early on and could only play a limited role. However, he still managed to deliver 18 points for his team, illustrating his capability when on the court.
Tennessee's success comes against a backdrop of impressive defense; they have led the Southeastern Conference by surrendering just 63 points per game this season, demonstrating their defensive versatility. This approach has often forced opponents into difficult shooting positions, and on this occasion, they restricted UCLA to a low shooting percentage, including just 11 of 22 successful three-point attempts.
The matchup marked only the second time Tennessee and UCLA met on the court, with the last encounter dating back to 1977 when UCLA secured a resounding victory. This historical context made the stakes even higher as the teams clashed in what has now become a worthy basketball rivalry.
In a crucial moment of the game, Tennessee came out strong after the halftime break, outscoring UCLA 14-6, with Lanier hitting his fourth three-pointer, pushing the score to 46-31. This early push established a commanding presence that the Volunteers maintained through the final whistle, proving their readiness to contend for the national title.
As they prepare for the next round, Tennessee not only aims for a deeper run into the tournament but also strives for their first Final Four appearance in program history, highlighting the significance of this season's achievements.
The victory over UCLA has set a new tone for the Volunteers, fueling their aspirations and exciting fans as they inch closer to historic milestones in NCAA Tournament history. The momentum they have gained will be critical as they continue on their quest towards glory.
