Being No. 1 puts a target on your back.
Tennessee fans shudder at the thought of the last time the Vols played in Madison Square Garden a few years ago. The Sweet 16. The infamous FAU run. Another Tennessee team fell victim to a Cinderella due to disastrous scoring droughts.
It almost came to fruition once again on Tuesday night. But something different happened. Newly-ranked No. 1 Tennessee found a way to calm the storm and win in the eye of the hurricane by a score of 75-62.
It was a hot start for both teams, trading several threes early with a tied score of 14-14. One particular stretch saw an Igor Milicic dunk and then a Miami turnover, which led to an open Lanier three to give UT some cushion at 21-15, prompting a Miami timeout.
But the separation did not last for long. In a matter of a minute, Miami flipped the score to lead 25-24 thanks to a 7-0 run. But, it is said that basketball is a game of runs. Tennessee had a 14-0 run to close the half. It was a huge momentum swing that gave UT the breathing room it needed.
The halftime score was 38-25 in favor of the Vols.
Miami opened the second half with a few quick buckets in the paint. Then Tennessee’s fearless 5’9 point guard Zakai Zielger knocked down a three to redirect the scoring.
A Cade Phillips masterclass showed up once again, with amazing alley-oops leading to a few big slams in the second half by the sophomore. By this point, the score was 55-37 and the Volunteers seemed prime to run away with the game.
However, multiple turnovers and fouls diminished UT’s lead. An 18-point lead dwindled to seven due to sloppy play. The game was suddenly full of pressure. A maturity moment was needed.
Then, a three-minute scoring drought was ended courtesy of a much-needed Igor Milicic three to go up 66-56. This was followed up by a Chaz layup to go up 12.
The storm was calmed.
Chaz Lanier swooped in to help save the day, scoring seven in a row by the final minute mark and giving Tennessee the breathing room it needed. This ensured no comeback would ensue. Lanier ended with 22 points, above his average of 18.8 points per game.
“Miami is a good team; we know that coming in,” said the senior from Nashville in a postgame interview. “Was just staying about composed. It’s a blessing to be out here, it was a good time.”
Tennessee finished 48% from the field, 40% from the three, and 83% from the stripe. Lynn Kidd was the highest scorer for the Hurricanes, with 14 points.
Along with the team win, it was a family reunion of sorts for Zakai Ziegler. The Long Island, New York, native had several family members and friends in attendance. He and his mother’s story of finding a home in Knoxville is nothing short of inspirational.
One interesting piece of trivia concerns the two head coaches, both of whom have had legendary careers. Prior to Tuesday night, they faced each other just once, back in 1989, with Barnes’ Providence team beating Bowling Green 81-79.
This isn’t the first time a Rick-Barnes-led Tennessee team has been ranked at the top during the regular season. Fans will remember the legendary 2018-19 team being No. 1 for four straight weeks during SEC play and finishing with a Sweet 16 berth. The closest Tennessee has gotten to the top was No. 4 last year, and up to No. 2 (at one point) two years ago.
So, the No. 1 team survives and moves on to 9-0. With that ranking next to your name, it is safe to assume you will get everyone’s best shot. Tennessee certainly got that from Miami, but secured the win despite not playing its best ball.
The quest for perfection continues on Saturday night at Illinois. The two teams played last December in Knoxville with Tennessee claiming a 86-79 win. The broadcast is set to start at 5:30 ET on Fox.