In an exciting first round of the NCAA Tournament held on March 20, 2025, No. 2 Tennessee triumphed over No. 15 Wofford, emerging victorious with a score of 77-62 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. This game propelled Tennessee (28-7) into the second round of the tournament where they are set to face off against No. 7 seed UCLA, who defeated No. 10 Utah State 72-47.
Leading the charge for the Volunteers was Chaz Lanier, who came close to matching his season high by scoring 29 points throughout the game. Lanier's performance was crucial, especially when he hit a pivotal 3-pointer with just 2:50 left on the clock, effectively sealing the win for his team. Meanwhile, Zakai Zeigler shone brightly as well, recording a double-double with 12 points and a whopping 12 assists. His assists total marked a significant achievement, as it allowed him to surpass Johnny Darden's long-standing school record of 715 assists, a record that had stood for 45 years.
“It was a big blessing,” Zeigler said regarding the record. “We knew that was going to be there. We watched a lot of film. I gotta give a lot to my coaches and my teammates, just seeing an open guy and not trying to force too much. Breaking a record that was 50 years old is a really big blessing and it means a lot to me.” This accomplishment significantly highlighted the game for Tennessee as it added a historical perspective to their win, akin to an ace in poker that can change the outcome of the hand.
On the opposing side, Wofford (19-16) had Jackson Sivills leading their efforts with 15 points alongside five rebounds. Notably, despite their loss, Wofford’s coach Dwight Perry expressed pride in his team's achievement of reaching the NCAA stage. “There is not going to be one game that's going to define what this team accomplished,” Perry noted. “At the end of the day, there are only six teams in Wofford basketball history that can say they played on this stage.”
The game set the tone early with Tennessee establishing a comfortable lead. At one point, Tennessee pivoted to a 12-0 run after Wofford made a brief surge, pulling within two points at 10-8, thanks to Justin Bailey’s layup. However, the Terriers struggled to find their offense afterward, with Bailey missing three critical free throws that could have changed their momentum.
As the game progressed, Tennessee's performance showed resilience. A back-and-forth affair saw Wofford attempt to close the gap, getting as close as nine points in the second half at 64-55 on a 3-pointer from Jeremy Lorenz. But Lanier's quick scoring response came with consecutive jumpers that saw the Volunteers pull away again, showcasing their depth and ability to rally under pressure.
After the victory, the team celebrated the achievement but also turned their focus towards the upcoming match against UCLA. The Volunteers will aim to continue their winning streak, having now achieved four victories in their last five games. This tournament performance has showcased not only the skill on the court but the determination and strategic planning behind the scenes.
Zeigler's journey to breaking Darden's record reflects dedication. Darden, who was present at Rupp Arena to witness the historic moment, pondered his record during his playing days. He remarked, “I knew he had it in him. There is still a lot more out there. His leadership is great. I love the way he controls the game.” Such sentiments underscore the admiration and recognition that builds strong sports legacies.
As Zeigler reflected on his game, he mentioned how breaking a record crafted with hard work is immensely gratifying. “I am so glad he was able to do it,” Darden further noted, expressing pride in passing the torch to the current Vols player and anticipating future successes.
The excitement surrounding Tennessee's performance resonates with their fans, who now eagerly await their next challenge. Saturday's face-off against UCLA will offer an even greater opportunity for the Volunteers to demonstrate their tournament readiness and solidify their place among basketball's elite.
With a promising roster led by Zeigler and Lanier, many believe Tennessee could make a noteworthy run this tournament. As the energy builds around the Vols, both players and fans alike are hopeful that this season might turn into something truly historic.
The anticipation buzzes through the air not just for the game, but for what the future of Tennessee basketball holds—an exhilarating blend of history, hope, and talent driving them forward in this NCAA tournament journey.
