KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team showcased an electrifying offensive display on Sunday afternoon at Food City Center, overpowering Austin Peay with a resounding 103-68 victory.
No. 11/9 Tennessee improved their record to 4-0 this season, boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 63.8 percent—tying for the fifth-best shooting performance in the last two decades. Senior forward Igor Miličić Jr. led all scorers with 23 points, marking his second consecutive game as the team’s top scorer.
Austin Peay opened the game with a quick 3-pointer, but the Volunteers swiftly retaliated, scoring nine unanswered points in just under two minutes to seize control early on. After Austin Peay momentarily managed another basket, Tennessee responded with an explosive 12-0 run over 2:57, establishing a commanding 21-5 lead just 6:34 into the game. Notably, at this juncture, the home team had converted 8 of their first 9 shots, including seven consecutive makes.
Tennessee maintained their offensive onslaught, achieving a remarkable stretch of nine consecutive successful field-goal attempts, which ballooned their shooting stats to 18-of-21—accompanied by a solid 10-of-11 performance at the free-throw line. By the midpoint of the first half, they had built a 22-point lead at 48-26. Although the Volunteers faced a brief cold spell, missing four straight shots afterward, they still finished the first half with a shooting percentage above 70% (19-of-27), a feat they hadn’t accomplished in over 22 months.
The Volunteers concluded the first half with a significant 23-point advantage, heading into the locker room at 52-29. Miličić shone brightly with 17 points on an impressive 8-of-10 shooting, while senior guard Zakai Zeigler added 12 points without missing a shot (4-of-4). On the defensive end, Tennessee constrained Austin Peay to a mere 30.0% shooting (9-of-30) from the floor.
Tennessee opened the second half with six unanswered points, extending their lead to an unprecedented 29 points (58-29) just 1:39 into the period. The Volunteers escalated their advantage to 30 points on multiple occasions during the half, even as Austin Peay managed to hit five 3-pointers in a rapid six-minute span.
Utilizing a dominating 11-0 run capped by a 3-pointer from senior guard Jordan Gainey, the Volunteers ballooned their lead to 34 points (98-64) with just over two minutes remaining. Under the guidance of tenth-year head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee pushed their lead as high as 37 points before ultimately sealing the victory with a 35-point margin.
Miličić finished with strong individual numbers, recording 23 points on 11-of-14 shooting—from the field, securing a game-high nine rebounds, contributing four assists, one shy of his personal best, and blocking two shots. Meanwhile, Zeigler’s performance included 19 points, a game-high eight assists, and becoming the first Volunteer in over a decade to achieve such a feat. With exceptional shooting (7-of-8 overall), Zeigler also joined an elite group of players with over 500 career assists, placing him among Tennessee’s all-time leaders.
Gainey played a crucial role with 15 points, most of which arrived during the second half. Sophomore forward Cade Phillips also made an impact with 13 points—a career-high—along with nine rebounds. Junior forward Felix Okpara contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and a game-high three blocks, while senior guard Jahmai Mashack added 10 points, achieving personal bests in both made and attempted free throws.
This game underscored Tennessee’s offensive depth, marking the first occasion in nearly two years that six players reached double figures in scoring, a milestone last seen on December 4, 2022. The Volunteers also maintained a brutal efficiency in terms of shooting, achieving a remarkable 32-of-44 (72.7 percent) effectiveness inside the arc and mirroring that at the free-throw line with a 24-of-33 performance.
Defensively, the Volunteers exhibited relentless pressure, amassing 10 blocks, the first time they’ve reached double digits since the 2021 SEC Tournament. The 103 points scored tied for the second-most during Coach Barnes’ tenure in Knoxville, further cementing the around-the-clock consistency that has characterized Tennessee’s performance this season.
Next, Tennessee will head to Nassau, Bahamas, ready to kick off their Baha Mar Championship play on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. against Virginia, with the game scheduled to be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
To follow all the latest developments regarding the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team, fans can engage on social media through @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, or /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS POSTGAME NOTES
• Tennessee improved to 10-1 all-time versus Austin Peay, including 4-1 this century with the four victories by an average of 34.8 points per game.
• The Volunteers are now 21-1 all-time versus current Atlantic Sun members, despite only playing four of its schools.
• Barnes, meanwhile, upped his mark to 12-0 against the Atlantic Sun membership, including 7-0 with the Volunteers.
• Barnes is now 32-6 (.842) against in-state competition as the head coach of the Volunteers, including 15-1 (.938) over the last 16 such outings.
• Coaching in his 600th home game, Barnes improved to 501-99 (.835) in such contests across his 38-year career, including 125-24 (.839) in 10 years at Tennessee.
• Tennessee upped its non-conference home winning streak to 31 straight games, a span that dates to the 2020-21 season opener versus Colorado on Dec. 8, 2020.
• Sunday marked the 68th time in program history the Volunteers have scored 100-plus points, including the first since Feb. 3, 2024, when they had 103 in a victory at Kentucky.
• The Volunteers have now reached triple digits seven times during Barnes’ tenure, including five times at home, with 103 matching their second-highest total during his 10 seasons.
• This is the sixth time in the last 20 seasons (2005-25) the Volunteers have shot over 61.0 percent from the floor, including the fourth under Barnes.
• The Volunteers have now scored 50-plus points in a half 45 times in Barnes’ tenure, including in each of the last three frames, dating to the second session Nov. 13 against Montana.
• Through four contests this season, Tennessee has trailed for a total of just 94 seconds and led for a total of 155:32.
How does Igor Miličić Jr. view the importance of versatility in basketball, especially after contributing in multiple areas during the game?
**Interview with Igor Miličić Jr. Following Tennessee’s Dominant Win Over Austin Peay**
**Editor:** Joining us today is Igor Miličić Jr., senior forward for the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team. Igor, congratulations on the big win against Austin Peay. You had an impressive game, leading the team with 23 points. How does it feel to be the top scorer in back-to-back games?
**Igor Miličić Jr.:** Thank you! It feels great, but I have to give credit to my teammates. We executed our game plan really well, and it was all about moving the ball and finding the best shots. Scoring is nice, but I’m proud of how we played as a team.
**Editor:** The team shot an incredible 63.8% from the field, including a remarkable 70% first half. What do you think contributed to such a strong offensive performance?
**Igor Miličić Jr.:** I think our energy and focus right from the start played a huge role. We came out ready to attack, and after that early 3-pointer from them, we responded quickly with nine unanswered points. That really set the tone for the game. Everyone was hitting their shots, which just built our confidence as the game went on.
**Editor:** You mentioned building confidence; you not only scored well, but you also had nine rebounds and contributed with assists and blocks. How important is it for you to be versatile on the court?
**Igor Miličić Jr.:** It’s really important. I strive to contribute in multiple ways, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or providing assists. I believe that’s what makes a player valuable to the team. Coach Barnes emphasizes versatility, and we really trust one another to step up in different areas.
**Editor:** Defensively, Tennessee also looked strong, recording 10 blocks for the first time since the 2021 SEC Tournament. How does that aggressive defensive play energize your game offensive play?
**Igor Miličić Jr.:** Absolutely. When we can get stops and create turnovers, it leads to fast breaks and easy baskets. The energy from our defense translates into our offense. It’s all about feeding off each other and building momentum.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, you’re heading to the Baha Mar Championship in the Bahamas. You’ll be facing Virginia next. What are your thoughts on that matchup?
**Igor Miličić Jr.:** We’re excited! It’s a great opportunity to face a strong team like Virginia. We’re going to prepare diligently, focusing on executing our game plan and bringing the same energy and intensity we showed against Austin Peay. Our goal is to keep this momentum going.
**Editor:** any message for the Volunteers’ fans who support you?
**Igor Miličić Jr.:** Just a huge thank you to all our fans! Your support means everything to us, and we hope to make you proud this season. We’re working hard, and we can’t wait to keep this momentum going!
**Editor:** Thanks for your time, Igor. Best of luck in the upcoming tournament!
**Igor Miličić Jr.:** Thank you!
