The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team wrapped up the 2024-25 regular season with a dominant 75-65 victory over South Carolina at a packed Food City Center on Saturday afternoon. The win extended the Volunteers’ impressive record to 25-6 overall and 12-6 in SEC play, securing their fourth consecutive 25-win season and their third-ever 25-win regular season.
On Senior Day, Tennessee was led by fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier, who delivered a game-high 23 points. Lanier exploded for 20 points in the second half, including back-to-back three-pointers during a critical stretch in the game that propelled Tennessee to its largest lead. Lanier’s performance was a testament to his ability to step up in big moments.
The Volunteers came out strong, jumping to an early 10-4 lead, sparked by senior forward Igor Miličić Jr., who scored eight of Tennessee’s first 10 points. South Carolina responded with a 15-4 run, taking a 28-27 lead late in the first half. However, Tennessee’s resilience shone through as sophomore Cade Phillips converted a three-point play, tying the game at 34 as the teams headed to the locker room.
In the second half, Tennessee quickly regained control, with Miličić’s three-point play putting the Volunteers ahead 39-38. The momentum swung decisively in Tennessee’s favor as Lanier scored 20 points in the final 16 minutes. Phillips also contributed with a career-high 15 points, including six field goals. Tennessee’s defense limited South Carolina’s leading scorer, Jamarii Thomas, to 20 points on 5-of-15 shooting, while sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles was held to just seven points.
Tennessee’s dominance continued as the Vols went on an 8-of-10 shooting spree, including Lanier’s back-to-back threes, to extend their lead to 12 points, 64-52, with 7:56 remaining. The Gamecocks made a brief push, cutting the deficit to 72-65 in the final minute, but the Volunteers closed out the game with a 3-0 run to seal the victory.
Senior guard Zakai Zeigler was instrumental in setting up his teammates, recording eight assists, while senior Jahmai Mashack led the team in rebounds with seven. As a team, Tennessee shot 54.5% from the floor, including a sizzling 8-of-10 stretch during the second half, while South Carolina struggled with a 35.1% shooting mark.
The victory ensures that Tennessee heads into the SEC Tournament with momentum, as they are set to face a to-be-determined opponent in the quarterfinals on Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Bridgestone Arena. With a 12-2 record in their last 14 matchups against South Carolina, the Vols will look to continue their impressive run in the postseason.
