Tennessee basketball advances to the Elite Eight for the second straight season as their dominant March run continues. The Vols beat Kentucky 78-65 in an elite showing to open its second weekend of the tournament.
The Vols came into the game after being swept in the SEC season series against Kentucky. Tennessee lost both games against Kentucky in the regular season, but Tennessee proved it was the better team in their third matchup with a dominant Sweet 16 win.
Tennessee dominated the glass and controlled the game through its rebounding efforts. Tennessee out-rebounded 34-24 and the separation came on the offensive glass.
The Vols doubled Kentucky with 14 compared to Kentucky's seven offensive rebounds. Tennessee also dominated in second-chance points with 19 points compared to Kentucky's four second-chance points.
The offensive performance was also one of the best we've seen this year. Tennessee shot 50% from the field, although it wasn't the highest-scoring output of the season.
While the three-point shooting was sub-par, at 26%, Tennessee's offensive rebounding and two-point scoring efforts helped the Vols hold onto their double-digit lead throughout the second half.
Zakai Zeigler led Tennessee's scoring efforts with 18 points on the night, followed by Chaz Lanier's 17 points and Jordan Gainey's 16 points.
If Tennessee is going to make a push for its first Final Four appearance, those three players are going to have to continue to show up for the Vols, especially if they play 1-seed Houston on Sunday.
The Vols have shown they are capable of being one of the best teams in the country throughout this season, and they are continuing to show that with the renewed mindset and mentality they have been playing with throughout the NCAA Tournament.
Tennessee will get some well-earned rest on Saturday ahead of its Elite 8 matchup on Sunday. The Vols will play the winner of No. 1 Houston and No. 4 Purdue on Sunday. The tip-off time will be announced at the conclusion of that game.