Tennessee basketball secured a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year by defeating UCLA 67-58 in the second round. This milestone marks the first time in program history that the Volunteers have reached the Sweet 16 three years in a row. Tennessee now aims to advance beyond the second weekend of the tournament for the first time ever.
The game was a physical battle from the start, with both teams playing aggressively and setting a tough tone. This intense style led to early foul trouble for both sides, with a combined 18 fouls in the first half. Despite several missed calls that could have further impacted UCLA, both teams struggled to maintain rhythm due to the frequent stoppages.
Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack found himself in early foul trouble, limiting his playing time. He picked up two quick fouls in the first half and was forced to sit out much of the game. After briefly returning for the start of the second half, he collected his third foul within three minutes, further restricting his contribution.
Despite the physicality and offensive struggles, Chaz Lanier provided a major boost for Tennessee. Building on his 29-point performance in the first round, Lanier led the Vols’ offense again, scoring 20 points. His timely shooting was crucial for Tennessee, especially against UCLA’s formidable defense. Lanier’s hot start helped ignite the Vols’ offense, which can sometimes struggle to find early momentum.
Lanier’s standout performance also earned him a place in Tennessee’s record books. Early in the second half, he made his 119th three-pointer of the season, surpassing Chris Lofton’s previous record for the most three-pointers in a single season. Lanier’s continued success from beyond the arc played a key role in the Vols’ offensive output.
In the second half, Tennessee’s defense took control, effectively shutting down UCLA’s scoring efforts. The Vols’ defensive pressure held UCLA to one of its lowest point totals in the program’s NCAA Tournament history. This defensive dominance, combined with Lanier’s scoring, allowed Tennessee to pull away and secure the victory.
With the win, Tennessee advances to the tournament’s second weekend once again. The Vols will now prepare to face the winner of the Kentucky-Illinois matchup on Sunday afternoon in the Sweet 16 as they continue their pursuit of a deeper postseason run.
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