Vols manhandle Hogs in total blowout to open SEC play

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Top-ranked Tennessee out-rebounded No. 23 Arkansas, 51-29, and made 10-of-26 from 3-pont range to lift the Volunteers to a 76-52 victory in the teams’ 2025 SEC opener Saturday afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Chaz Lanier led Tennessee with 29 points, going 5-of-9 from 3-point, while Igor Milicic Jr., had a double-double with 13 points and 18 rebounds.

D.J. Wagner paced the Razorbacks with 17 points and Boogie Fland added 12 points, three assists and three steals.

Both teams shot about 38% from the field as Arkansas blocked 10 shots. However, the Vols came away with 24 offensive boards to secure the win. Also, while Tennessee only shot 39.1% from the field, the Volunteers had 18 assists on 28 made baskets. Arkansas only had nine assists on its 20 made baskets.

Up next, Arkansas returns to Bud Walton Arena for a pair of home games starting with Ole Miss on Wednesday (Jan. 8). Tipoff is set for 6 pm and the game will be televised on ESPN2.

FIRST HALF: Tennessee 42, Arkansas 27

• Arkansas led early (12-9) before Tennessee went on a 14-2 run, including a 12-0 spurt) to lead 21-12. D.J. Wagner ended a 6:11 Razorback drought with a free throw.

• Later, Tennessee used an 8-0 run to lead 36-20. Zvonimir Ivisic stopped the run with a 3-pointer.

• Arkansas ended up shooting 42% from the field, compared to 41% by Tennessee.

• The Razorbacks’ blocked seven shots in the half, including three by Ivisic.

• Tennessee dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Razorbacks 27-12.

• Arkansas was just 3-of-8 from the line. Tennessee was 7-of-8.

• Chaz Lanier led UT with 14 points and Zakai Zeigler had 10. Igor Milicic Jr., had eight points and nine rebounds at the break.

• D.J. Wagner, who scored the Hogs’ first seven points, led Arkansas with eight points.