Tennessee basketball, under the leadership of Chaz Lanier, showcased exceptional prowess in a remarkable 77 - 62 triumph over Baylor, securing the Baha Mar Championship. This success marked a significant milestone for the team as they demonstrated their mettle on the international stage. The journey to this victory was nothing short of extraordinary, with the Vols leaving an indelible mark in The Bahamas.

Tennessee Basketball's Unstoppable Force in the Baha Mar Championship

Tennessee's Early Blitzkrieg

Tennessee basketball burst onto the scene with a vengeance, immediately forcing an early Baylor timeout. Chaz Lanier's shooting prowess was on full display as he hit two consecutive 3 - pointers, giving the Vols a 6 - 0 lead. His hot hand continued as he sank three more 3 - pointers in quick succession, amassing 15 points early on and establishing a commanding 16 - 2 lead at the under - 16 media timeout. This early momentum set the tone for the rest of the game, as Tennessee's suffocating defense and accurate shooting kept Baylor on the ropes.The Vols' dominance was further emphasized as Jordan Gainey and Cade Phillips came off the bench to contribute significantly. Gainey's triple - shooting skills were on full display, as he hit a couple of triples to extend the lead to 29 - 9 with 7 : 48 remaining in the first half. The Bears found themselves in a deep hole as Tennessee hit nine of its first 20 3 - point shots, building a 42 - 16 lead with 2 : 44 to play in the first half.

Baylor's Struggle in the Second Half

In the second half, the pace slowed down significantly, likely a strategic move by Tennessee. Baylor made a valiant effort to close the gap, cutting the lead to 17 with 5 : 20 to play. However, Jordan Gainey's big 3 - pointer answered the Bears' charge, making it 70 - 50. From that point on, Tennessee maintained their composure and put the finishing touches on their win, solidifying their early season tournament championship.Throughout the game, Chaz Lanier's scoring was a key factor. He ended the half with an astonishing 25 points, including an impressive 7 - 8 shooting from beyond the arc. His performance was a testament to his skill and determination, inspiring his teammates and leaving Baylor in awe.The No. 11 Vols (6 - 0) entered the game as a formidable force, and they lived up to their reputation. Their defense was suffocating, denying Baylor any real offensive rhythm. Offensively, their 3 - point shooting was on fire, making it difficult for the Bears to keep up.In conclusion, Tennessee basketball's victory in the Baha Mar Championship was a testament to their teamwork, skill, and determination. Chaz Lanier's leadership and the contributions of the entire team were crucial in securing this historic win. It is a moment that will be remembered by Tennessee basketball fans for years to come.Make sure to follow our website Tennessee on SI.