Kentucky faces Tennessee in the Sweet 16 at Lucas Oil Stadium—a third showdown after sweeping the Vols 78-73 and 75-64 this season. The No. 3 Wildcats (24-11) are 4.5-point underdogs to the No. 2 Volunteers (29-7), per FanDuel. Tennessee’s elite defense (No. 6, 62.9 PPG allowed) looms large—so who should BBN fear most? Here’s the breakdown of the Vols most dangerous players.
Zakai Zeigler: The Playmaking Pest
Tennessee’s engine, Zakai Zeigler, torments foes with 6 assists per game (35 minutes). Against Kentucky, he dished 6 assists in both losses, scoring 13 (Jan. 28) and 17 (Feb. 11)—but shot poorly (5-18, 7-11). His 1-11 and 0-2 from three show Kentucky’s perimeter D rattled him. Still, his speed and vision could exploit any lapse—Lamont Butler must lock him down and play like he has in the NCAA tournament so far.
Chaz Lanier: The Three-Point Threat
Chaz Lanier is Tennessee’s scoring spark, and a streaky shooter that can help win a game on his own. In Kentucky losses, he hit 3-10 (15 points) and 0-7 (10 points)—a combined 3-17 from deep. Kentucky’s three-point barrage in both games outgunned him, but Tennessee’s No. 3-ranked opponent three-point defense (28.3%) suggests the Cats may have a harder time making shots. What's worse is Lanier’s due. If he heats up, BBN’s in trouble—Koby Brea’s on alert.
Igor Milicic Jr.: The Rebounding X-Factor
Igor Milicic Jr. brings size and hustle to the Vols. He torched Kentucky for 19 points (4-8 from three) and 9 rebounds on Jan. 28, then 16 points (3-4 from three) and 9 boards on Feb. 11. Tennessee’s 33.7% offensive rebound rate (No. 28) thrives with him—Amari Williams, Andrew Carr, and Brandon Garrison must box out to avoid second-chance pain.
Conclusion
Kentucky’s beaten Tennessee twice, but the Vols’ trio—Zeigler’s chaos, Lanier’s range, Milicic’s boards—could flip the script. Contain these three, and BBN celebrates an Elite Eight birth all night long—falter, and it’s heartbreak. Who’s your biggest worry?