No. 9 seed Mississippi State (21-12) defeated No. 1 seed Tennessee (24-8), 73-56, Friday in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Bulldogs led, 38-19, at halftime, a season-low for first-half points this season.
Friday’s win is Mississippi State’s second against the Vols this season. The Bulldogs defeated Tennessee, 77-72, on Jan. 10 in Starkville, Mississippi.
Mississippi State led by as many as 23 points. Tennessee trailed, 60-48, after Zakai Zeigler converted a three-point attempt with five minutes remaining in the game.
Zeigler scored 20 points to lead Tennessee. Dalton Knecht scored 14 points and converted 4-of-17 field goal attempts.
Jahmai Mashack scored 10 points for the Vols, while Jonas Aidoo totaled five points and 10 rebounds.
Cameron Matthews recorded 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals for the Bulldogs.
final pic.twitter.com/UjwnLwlXbk
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 15, 2024