According to Tennessee Athletics, In its first outing of 2024, the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team logged a dominant 87-50 victory Tuesday night against Norfolk State at Food City Center. Fifth-ranked Tennessee (10-3) led wire to wire in its non-conference finale and, behind a game-high 17 points from junior guard Zakai Zeigler, claimed its sixth consecutive triumph.
Zeigler, who led the Volunteers in scoring for the second consecutive contest, shot 5-of-10 from 3-point range to set a career best in makes and led all players with a season-high-tying four steals. The Long Island, N.Y., native added four assists and zero turnovers. Fifth-year guard Dalton Knecht amassed 15 points and a season-best four assists, as well as made all six of his free-throw attempts. Sophomore forward Tobe Awaka finished with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting, tying a career best in makes, and a game-high 11 rebounds to record his first collegiate double-double. Fifth-year guard Josiah-Jordan James stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, seven rebounds and a game-leading five assists. Junior guard Jamarii Thomas paced the Spartans with 15 points.
With non-conference action now complete, Tennessee opens SEC play Saturday at 5 p.m. against #19 Ole Miss, live on SEC Network from Food City Center. Coverage can be heard on 102.5 WOW Country