Tennessee basketball vs Syracuse: Vols peel Orange in SEC/ACC Challenge

Chaz Lanier cleared the centercourt line and had all he needed.

The Tennessee basketball guard pulled up barely past “The Summitt” logo, got a little space from a Flex Okpara screen and hurled another 3-pointer. The high-scoring transfer drilled it and the Vols bench bubbled with glee during a scalding second-half stretch.

The No. 3 Vols (8-0) put on a show once again to start the season, dispatching Syracuse (4-3) in a 96-70 win at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.

Lanier led the Vols with 26 points and four 3-pointers, all in the second half. Jordan Gainey got Tennessee’s second-half spurt going out of halftime. He had 12 second-half points on 5-for-6 shooting and made both his 3-point attempts.

Cade Phillips was dynamic off the bench and starred in the first half. He had 12 points. Igor Milicic Jr. had his second double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

The Vols play Miami in New York City on Dec. 10 (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) and at Illinois on Dec. 14.

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Tennessee vs Syracuse live stream options

Tennessee vs. Syracuse will be streaming on the ESPN app. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Tennessee vs Syracuse injury updates

Forward J.P. Estrella is out for the season due to surgery on a left foot injury that has lingered since the offseason. Guard Cam Carr is sidelined four to six weeks with a left thumb injury suffered Nov. 17 against Austin Peay.

Tennessee basketball schedule 2024-25 next five games

Record: 7-0

• vs Miami in New York City in Jimmy V Classic on Dec. 10: 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

• at Illinois on Dec. 14: 5:30 p.m. ET (Fox)

• Western Carolina on Dec. 17: 7 p.m. ET (SEC Network+)

• Middle Tennessee State on Dec. 23: 7 p.m. ET (SEC Network+)

• Norfolk State on Dec. 31: 3 p.m. ET (SEC Network+)

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Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson or Bluesky @bymikewilson.bsky.social. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee basketball rolls Syracuse in blowout in SEC/ACC Challenge