Starkville, Miss. (AP) — Zakai Zeigler had 24 points and Tennessee made 8 of 9 3-pointers in the second half as the No. 9 Volunteers were able to pull away late in a 70-59 win over Mississippi State on Tuesday night.
The Vols (15-3, 5-1 SEC) shot 2 of 15 from 3-point range in the first half as the Bulldogs clamped down on Tennessee but it was a different story in the final 20 minutes. Zeigler had 14 points in the second half and Tennessee nearly doubled its production from the first when the game was tied at 23.
Mississippi St. (12-6, 1-5) improved on its first half total as well, scoring 10 more points in the frame. The pace played out of the Bulldogs’ realm, however, as the defensive minded Mississippi St. team couldn’t keep up with the hot shooting Vols.
Tennessee's Julian Phillips had 18 points and 11 rebounds while Josiah-Jordan James finished with 13 points. Tennessee shot 23 of 51 (45%) from the field in the game with a 42% 3-point night. The Vols were also big from the line, making 14 of 15.
After turning the ball over 11 times in the first half, the Vols finished with 17 turnovers for the game.
Mississippi St. shot 19 of 57 from the field as offensive struggles continue. The Bulldogs made 7 of 26 from 3-point range and had 14 of 22 from the free throw line.
Shakeel Moore had his best game as a collegiate player scoring a career-high 20 points for the Bulldogs, making all eight of his free throw attempts. Tolu Smith had 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Tennessee won the rebounding battle 39-31.
BIG PICTURE
Tennessee: After a rough loss to Kentucky at home last week, the Vols needed a bounce back. It wasn’t easy, but the second half answer from the team spoke volumes as overcame a nine-point deficit in the first half.
Mississippi State: The Bulldogs continue to slide having lost six of the last seven games, but that hasn’t told the full story. Mississippi St. continues to make progress in year one under Chris Jans.
UP NEXT
Tennessee travels to LSU on Saturday.
Mississippi State hosts Florida on Saturday night.
