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Barnes, Zeigler discuss win, James talks return as Vols rout Mississippi State

On3 imageby:Brent Hubbs•01/03/23•

Brent_Hubbs

Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee Basketball
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 07: Zakai Zeigler #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates a three point basket against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in the second half of the game at Thompson-Boling Arena on November 07, 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Tennessee’s offense was in overdrive on Tuesday night as the Vols shot a blistering 69% from the field in a 87-53 rout of Mississippi State.

Five Vols reached double figures as the Vols had 36 field goals on 28 assists. Head coach Rick Barnes simply said his team played really, really well.

James returns

Tennessee senior Josiah Jordan-James for the first time since the Alcon State game on December 7th was on the floor. James has practiced consecutively the last 3-4 days and credited a new treatment plan and new medication for helping him turn the corner.

The do-it-all Vol said he felt different in the warm up lay up line Tuesday night and knew it was going to be a good night. James remains on a minute count but he was productive in his nearly 17 minutes of play. James was 3 of 5 from the field including 2-2 beyond the arc for 8 points to go with 4 assists and a steal.

Zeigler in control

Tennessee point guard Zakai Zeigler recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 assists in 24 minutes. Zeigler was 4 of 7 from the floor including going 3 for 5 at the three point line in a game that Rick Barnes said might have been his best in terms of controlling the game.

Up Next: No. 8 Tennessee at South Carolina, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network

Tennessee is back on the road at South Carolina on Saturday, a 3:30 p.m. ET start on SEC Network. The Vols return home to host Vanderbilt on January 10, a 9 p.m. game, and later in the month host Kentucky (January 14) and Georgia (January 25). Tennessee makes the return trip to Mississippi State (January 17) and also goest to LSU (January 21).

Texas, the final non-conference game on schedule, will be played January 28 at Thompson-Boling Arena in the Big 12-SEC Challenge.

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