On January 22, 2025, the Tennessee Volunteers took the court against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in what proved to be an unforgettable showdown. The Vols emerged victorious, thanks in large part to the outstanding performance of junior guard Chaz Lanier. Lanier’s 23-point outburst not only led the Vols to a commanding 82-71 win but also solidified his growing reputation as one of the most dynamic players in college basketball this season.
Pre-Game Build-Up: High Expectations for Both Teams
Coming into the game, both Tennessee and Mississippi State had been playing solid basketball, but with differing trajectories. The Vols had been one of the higher-ranked teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and were firmly in the conversation for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee’s reputation as a balanced team with depth, shooting, and strong defense had been well-established, and the Vols were hoping to continue that momentum as they prepared for the challenge of Mississippi State.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were not quite as high-profile but had been making noise within the SEC. Their defense was their trademark, and they had proven capable of stymieing high-scoring teams. With a tough, gritty roster, Mississippi State had the potential to pull off an upset if they could shut down Tennessee’s offensive flow. The Bulldogs’ top players, including sophomore forward Tyrese Johnson, would be key in trying to keep Lanier and the rest of the Vols under control.
But from the opening tip-off, it was clear that the game would hinge on who could dictate the pace and who would step up when the stakes were highest.
First Half: Lanier’s Early Impact
The first half was a battle of contrasting styles. Tennessee, known for their up-tempo offense, looked to push the ball in transition, while Mississippi State, with their suffocating defense, tried to slow the pace and force the game into a half-court setting. From the outset, Lanier was aggressive and assertive, showing why he had become one of the Vols’ key players.
Lanier opened the scoring for Tennessee with a quick three-pointer from the top of the key, setting the tone early. Mississippi State’s defense was built around limiting three-point attempts, but Lanier’s ability to shoot from the perimeter kept the Bulldogs on their heels. His confidence was palpable, and he quickly followed up his opening triple with a driving layup and a mid-range jumper to extend Tennessee’s lead.
However, the Bulldogs’ defense was resilient. They began to lock in on Tennessee’s other perimeter shooters, forcing the Vols to rely on Lanier even more heavily. It didn’t seem to matter. As the game went on, Lanier became increasingly aggressive, using his ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls to maintain his scoring output. He connected on several free throws, demonstrating his composure under pressure. By halftime, Lanier had accumulated 15 points, accounting for nearly half of Tennessee’s first-half total.
The Vols went into the break with a slim 41-39 lead, and it was clear that Lanier’s performance was going to be the difference-maker in this contest. Mississippi State, while not lacking in effort, had struggled to contain him, and Tennessee had built their offense around his playmaking ability.
Second Half: Lanier Takes Over
When the second half began, it became immediately evident that Tennessee was going to rely on Lanier to help push them across the finish line. Mississippi State adjusted their defense, trying to deny Lanier the ball and force others on the Vols to step up. But Lanier had a plan of his own.
The first few minutes of the second half saw Lanier working in tandem with his teammates. He facilitated the offense by dishing out several assists, showing his ability to not just score but also create opportunities for others. His court vision was remarkable, finding open shooters on the perimeter and running the offense with a veteran-like poise.
However, it was his scoring that truly stole the spotlight. Lanier hit two quick three-pointers early in the second half, stretching the lead to double digits for the first time in the game. He then scored in transition, finishing a fast break with a smooth layup and drawing a foul on the play. At this point, Mississippi State was forced to switch defensive schemes, sending extra defenders to contest his shots. But even as the Bulldogs tightened their defense, Lanier seemed unbothered. His confidence was unwavering, and his ability to create space with his handles and footwork kept Mississippi State guessing.
Midway through the second half, with Tennessee up by eight, Lanier went on a personal 8-0 run. He scored on a tough contested jumper, knocked down another three-pointer, and finished a difficult left-handed drive to the rim. By the time he finished his run, Tennessee had pushed the lead to 16 points, and the Bulldogs were visibly deflated.
What was especially impressive was Lanier’s ability to take over without forcing the issue. He wasn’t just hunting shots; he was reading the defense and taking what was available. Whether it was finding open teammates or creating his own offense, Lanier was in complete control of the game. His versatility as a scorer, combined with his leadership, made him the most dangerous player on the floor.
Mississippi State’s Response
Despite Lanier’s brilliance, Mississippi State did not roll over. Head coach Chris Jans’ squad continued to fight, led by the Bulldogs’ star forward, Tyrese Johnson. Johnson, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, began to find his rhythm in the second. He hit a couple of mid-range jumpers and took advantage of some offensive rebounds to cut into Tennessee’s lead.
The Bulldogs’ defense tightened up in spurts, and they were able to force several turnovers. For a brief moment, it seemed as though Mississippi State might mount a comeback. They closed the gap to eight points with just under four minutes remaining, and it felt like they could be poised for one final push.
But every time Mississippi State made a run, Lanier was there to answer. His ability to hit clutch shots in critical moments, as well as his composure at the free-throw line, kept the Vols’ lead intact. In the final minutes, he was nearly perfect from the line, knocking down key free throws to keep Mississippi State at bay. His leadership was invaluable in those closing moments, and his 23 points were a testament to his scoring ability and poise under pressure.
A Defining Performance
When the final buzzer sounded, Tennessee had secured an 82-71 win. Chaz Lanier finished with 23 points, five assists, and four rebounds in what was a complete and dominating performance. His impact on both ends of the floor was undeniable, and it was clear that he had been the difference-maker in the game.
Lanier’s performance was especially significant for a number of reasons. First, it was an example of his growth as a player. Last season, Lanier showed flashes of his potential, but this game proved that he was ready to take on a primary role for the Vols. His offensive versatility was on full display, as he scored in a variety of ways, and his leadership on the court was evident in his ability to step up when the game was on the line.
Additionally, this victory was crucial for Tennessee’s standing in the SEC and in the national picture. With so many teams competing for positioning in the conference and in the NCAA Tournament, a win like this, especially one that came on the back of a player like Lanier, was vital for the Vols.
For Mississippi State, the loss was disappointing, but the Bulldogs showed a lot of heart in their fight, especially in the second half. Tyrese Johnson’s efforts, along with solid contributions from other key players, showed that they could compete with the top teams in the conference. While they were unable to secure the win, there were enough positive takeaways to suggest that they would be a team to watch in the second half of the season.
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