Part 4/7:
As the first half drew to a close, Middle Tennessee took a shocking lead, marking the first time Tennessee had trailed at halftime during the season. Their late surge, including a series of effective shot attempts, showcased their determination to challenge the number one team in the nation.
Second Half Resilience: A Show of Character
The second half began with a sense of urgency for Tennessee. Ziegler set the tone, driving to the basket and converting a critical left-handed finish. However, Middle Tennessee was quick to respond with their own sequence of valuable baskets that kept them in contention.