KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Men’s Basketball was back in action inside Food City Center. The Vols topped UT Martin 78-35 on Wednesday night.
Tennessee’s starting five included Felix Okpara, Igor Milicic Jr., Chaz Lanier, Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack.
From the start, the Vols weren’t making things easy for UT Martin on the offensive end. Meanwhile, Tennessee started hot with three triples from Zeigler, Milicic Jr. and Lanier to make it an 11-3 score.
However, things slowed down as the first half went on. Tennessee was six-of-22 from three, and four of those triples came from Lanier. However, the Vols still dominated on the glass, outrebounding UT Martin, 22-13.
Lanier also led the team in the first half with 11 points, and Tennessee led by 15 points, 35-20, at the break.
The Vols held the Skyhawks scoreless for nearly 5 five minutes of the second half.
Tennessee stayed in front the entire game. With about 8 minutes remaining, the Vols led 58-29, and Okpara notched a double-double with a lot of time left to play. He also had four blocks at this point.
The Vols also didn’t allow a field goal for 9 minutes later in the second half. Tennessee continued to roll past the Skyhawks.
Lanier led in points with 18, while Zeigler and Okpara also each scored in double-figures. Okpara also notched a double-double.
The Vols outrebounded UT Martin 49-24 and also shot 47.6% from the field in the win.
35 points is the least Rick Barnes' team has allowed in his ten seasons as head coach.
After the Thanksgiving break the Vols will be back against Syracuse on Dec. 3. That game will be inside Food City Center at 7:30 p.m.
