On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers orchestrated a remarkable comeback to defeat the Vanderbilt Commodores 81-76 at a sold-out Food City Center in Knoxville. Trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, Tennessee’s resilience was on full display as they rallied to secure the victory.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers orchestrated a remarkable comeback to defeat the Vanderbilt Commodores 81-76 at a sold-out Food City Center in Knoxville. Trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, Tennessee’s resilience was on full display as they rallied to secure the victory.

 

Junior guard Zakai Zeigler was instrumental in the comeback, scoring all of his team-high 22 points in the second half. His offensive surge ignited the Volunteers’ rally, complemented by fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier’s 15 points and senior guard Jordan Gainey’s 12 points. Notably, Zeigler’s performance was pivotal during a critical stretch where Tennessee overcame a 16-point deficit.

 

The game saw Vanderbilt leading 44-31 at halftime, with junior guard Jason Edwards contributing significantly to the Commodores’ offense, finishing with 24 points. However, Tennessee’s defense tightened in the second half, limiting Vanderbilt to 32 points and creating opportunities for the Volunteers to capitalize offensively.

 

This victory was particularly special as it marked the 100th career win for both Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack, making them the seventh and eighth players in Tennessee history to reach this milestone. Remarkably, five of these eight players have achieved this feat under the guidance of head coach Rick Barnes, underscoring his significant impact on the program.

 

Coach Barnes’ tenure at Tennessee has been marked by consistent success. He has led the Volunteers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and has been instrumental in player development, with numerous athletes advancing to professional careers. His coaching philosophy emphasizes resilience and adaptability, qualities that were evident in the Volunteers’ performance against Vanderbilt.

 

The win improved Tennessee’s record to 21-5 overall and 8-5 in SEC play, reinforcing their position as a formidable contender in the conference. The Volunteers’ ability to overcome significant deficits and secure victories speaks to their depth, determination, and the strategic acumen of Coach Barnes.

 

For fans interested in a visual recap of the game’s highlights, including key plays and pivotal moments, the following video provides an in-depth look at

the action: