Tennessee Basketball Faces Setback Against Vanderbilt

Tennessee basketball faced a tough loss against Vanderbilt, with senior guard Chaz Lanier missing a crucial free throw in the final seconds, sealing a 76-75 defeat. Despite leading early, the Vols struggled after Tennessee's point guard Zakai Zeigler was benched due to foul trouble, allowing Vanderbilt to gain momentum. Lanier, who scored 17 points in the game, attempted a comeback with a blocked layup and a missed free throw, reflecting his recent shooting struggles. Coach Rick Barnes expressed disappointment for Lanier but praised his resilience and learning through the challenges of SEC play. Vanderbilt's victory marked a significant achievement under coach Mark Byington, as they were predicted to finish last in the SEC but have started strong. Tennessee now stands at 16-2 overall, with Vanderbilt improving to 15-3, both holding a 3-2 record in the SEC.