The Tennessee Basketball Volunteers played their first game (that counted) on Monday night against Gardner-Webb. Tennessee traded blows with the Runnin’ Bulldogs for a good portion of the first half before a strong finish gave the Vols a 44-32 halftime lead. The Vols looked much better in the 2nd half and at one point held a nearly 30-point lead, but a flurry in the final 5 minutes by Gardner-Webb cut the Tennessee lead down to 13 before the game finally ended in an 80-64 Tennessee win.

Chaz Lanier led the way scoring with an efficient 18 points including 4-6 from beyond the arc. Jordan Gainey was right behind him with another efficient performance going 7-9 from the floor with 16 points. Zakai Zeigler struggled from the floor going 3-10 but did go 7-7 from the free-throw line to tally 13 points. The senior point guard also dished out 9 assists. Ohio State transfer Felix Okpara led the way in the rebounding department with 9 and Jahmai Mashack led in steals with 4.

Some concerns I have with this team are the amount of newcomers and the lack of leadership when Zakai isn’t on the floor. However, this is the time of year to figure these issues out and the Vols will be heading to Louisville this weekend in their first true test of the season. Yes, Louisville has been bad for the last few years but it’s still a good program and a tough environment the Vols will be walking into at the Yum Center.

Rick Barnes will have his work cut out for him before conference play starts to figure out the best rotations and roles for this new-look team. It’s always going to be a process to replace 4 starters but I have confidence that he will find a way to get this team to 20 wins at minimum and they will be ready by the time March rolls around. Here’s to another year of Vol basketball!!