Tennessee basketball came out on fire, delivering one of its most electrifying offensive first halves of the season in a statement performance against Oklahoma. Riding high from back-to-back wins over ranked opponents Florida and Missouri, the Vols carried their momentum into this game, leaving the Sooners struggling to keep up.
Fresh off a thrilling 57-point second half against Missouri, Tennessee’s offensive rhythm was unstoppable. Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Jordan Gainey, and Darlingstone Dubar orchestrated a dazzling display, scoring from all areas of the court with ease. The Vols didn’t just play—they dominated, dictating the pace and setting the tone right from the tip-off.
The first 12 minutes saw Tennessee shoot an almost unheard-of 14-of-16 from the field, including a perfect 5-for-5 from deep. The result? A quick double-digit lead and a surge of confidence rippling through the entire lineup. Seven of the Vols’ nine players got on the scoreboard in the first half, a remarkable feat for a team that has battled inconsistency in SEC play.
Even the rare missed shots didn’t slow them down. The Vols were relentless on the boards, turning second-chance opportunities into more points. Lanier and Zeigler were the stars of the show, combining for 21 first-half points—just four shy of Oklahoma’s total team output of 25.
By halftime, Tennessee had shot an impressive 18-of-26 from the field and 7-for-12 from beyond the arc, cruising into the break with a commanding 45-25 lead. The Vols didn’t just play basketball—they put on a clinic, leaving fans eager to see if they could sustain this dominance in the second half.
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