Chaz Lanier leads Tennessee to victory over Syracuse
- Chaz Lanier led Tennessee with 26 points in their victory over Syracuse.
- Tennessee had a notable advantage in rebounding and team contributions.
- The win maintains Tennessee's undefeated record as they look ahead to future challenges.
In Knoxville, Tennessee, on December 3, 2024, No. 3 Tennessee faced off against Syracuse in the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Volunteers continued their undefeated season, improving to 8-0 after a decisive 96-70 win over the Orange, who fell to a 4-3 record. Chaz Lanier was instrumental in the victory, scoring a game-high 26 points, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. Other key contributors included Igor Milicic, who achieved a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, as well as Zakai Zeigler, who added 14 points and eight assists to the scoreboard. The victory also saw Jordan Gainey and Cade Phillips contributing 12 points each, demonstrating Tennessee's strong team play and depth. Tennessee dominated the rebounding battle, finishing with a 39-26 advantage over Syracuse. This dominance in the paint allowed them to control the pace of the game and limit the Orange's second-chance opportunities. Midway through the first half, Zeigler sparked a momentum shift with a crucial four-point play, hitting a three-pointer and converting the free throw after being fouled. This play was pivotal as it extended Tennessee's lead to 10 points and set the tone for the rest of the game. Elijah Moore was the standout performer for Syracuse, coming off the bench to score 24 points. However, his efforts were not enough to shift the balance in favor of the Orange, who struggled during critical moments of the game. Syracuse will need to regroup as they prepare to open their ACC play against Notre Dame, where they will seek to stabilize their season after this setback. The recent performance of Tennessee also reflects positively on their roster decisions, particularly with Darlinstone Dubar finding a role as a big man off the bench. After missing the first four games of the season due to personal issues, Dubar's gradual integration into the team is encouraging, especially with J.P. Estrella sidelined for the season due to a foot injury. This victory sets Tennessee up for a challenging matchup against Miami in the upcoming Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden, where they will aim to maintain their perfect record.