Eric Boggs 
Tennessee Basketball
The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team surged to a commanding 77-62 victory over No. 13 Baylor in the Baha Mar Championship final Friday night, securing its second tournament title in the Bahamas in three years. Behind a scorching first half from fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier, the No. 11 Volunteers (6-0) led wire-to-wire at the Baha Mar Convention Center, building a lead as large as 28 points en route to their sixth straight win.
Lanier, who scored all of his game-high 25 points in the first half, put on a shooting clinic by hitting 9-of-13 from the field, including a career-best 7-of-8 from beyond the arc. His quick start propelled Tennessee to a 16-2 lead within the first four minutes and set the tone for a dominant first-half performance that ended with the Volunteers holding a 47-20 advantage.
Head coach Rick Barnes praised the team’s execution and intensity. “Our players came out focused and executed on both ends of the floor. Chaz [Lanier] gave us a huge spark early, and we never looked back,” Barnes said.
A First-Half Masterclass
Tennessee’s first-half dominance was highlighted by blistering 3-point shooting (10-of-22, 45.5%) and suffocating defense that held Baylor to just 2-of-10 shooting from long range. The Volunteers also excelled in ball movement, recording 13 assists while committing only four turnovers.
Lanier’s hot hand was complemented by senior guard Jordan Gainey, who added a pair of key 3-pointers during an early 8-0 run. Tennessee’s defense further stifled the Bears, holding them scoreless for nearly four minutes during a nine-point stretch that extended the lead to 42-14 late in the first half.
Baylor Struggles to Close the Gap
Despite a second-half push from Baylor, led by Norchad Omier (22 points, 10 rebounds) and V.J. Edgecombe (20 points), the Bears never came within 15 points of Tennessee. The Volunteers maintained their composure, with Gainey contributing 16 points, including a critical second-half three to halt a field-goal drought and restore the lead to 20.
Sophomore forward Cade Phillips (11 points, 4-of-4 shooting) and senior forward Igor Miličić Jr. (10 points) provided additional support off the bench as Tennessee outscored Baylor 30-7 in bench points.
A Statement Win and a Promising Start
The Volunteers’ efficient offense (52.2% shooting) and relentless defense underscore their strong start to the 2024-25 season, which includes marquee wins over Louisville, Virginia, and Baylor. Lanier’s MVP performance in the Baha Mar Championship solidifies his status as a key contributor following his transfer from North Florida.
Fresh off their first Elite Eight appearance since 2010, Tennessee continues to build momentum with a deep, experienced roster. The Volunteers return to Knoxville on Wednesday for a matchup against UT Martin, while Baylor (4-2) will host New Orleans before facing reigning national champion UConn.
With nonconference matchups against Syracuse, Miami, and Illinois on the horizon, Tennessee looks poised to continue its ascent as a national contender under Rick Barnes.
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