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Tennessee PG Zakai Zeigler out for top-10 matchup vs. Florida
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Jeff Borzello
Tennessee point guard Zakai Zeigler will not play against Florida in Saturday’s top-10 matchup, coach Rick Barnes told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Zeigler left Tuesday’s game against Kentucky with a right knee injury, but he came back to start the second half and finished the game. The senior missed practice Thursday and was listed as questionable on the SEC injury report.
One of the best point guards in the country, Zeigler has been a catalyst for the Volunteers at both ends of the court, averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 assists and 2.1 steals per game. He has started 67 games over the past three seasons.
With Zeigler sidelined, Tennessee will likely have to turn to sixth man Jordan Gainey to initiate the offense. A natural shooting guard, Gainey is averaging 10.8 points per game off the bench.
Tennessee starting forward Igor Milicic Jr. is battling an illness and also won’t play in Saturday’s game, a school spokesperson told ESPN.
Former Hofstra transfer Darlinstone Dubar is starting in place of Milicic, who is averaging 10.4 points and 8.1 rebounds this season.
Without Zeigler and Milicic, the Volunteers are down to seven scholarship players.
Tennessee, which was ranked No. 1 in the country after winning its first 14 games, has lost four of its past seven games — including two in a row to Auburn and Kentucky.
The No. 8 Volunteers (17-4, 4-4 SEC) host No. 5 Florida (18-2, 5-2 SEC) at noon ET Saturday (ESPN).
Tennessee PG Zakai Zeigler out for top-10 matchup vs. Florida
Unfortunately, Tennessee fans will have to wait a little longer to see star point guard Zakai Zeigler in action as he has been ruled out for the highly anticipated top-10 matchup against Florida. Zeigler, who has been a key player for the Volunteers this season, is dealing with a minor injury that will keep him sidelined for this crucial game.
While it’s disappointing to not have Zeigler on the court for such a big game, Tennessee fans can take solace in the fact that they have a deep roster and talented players who can step up in his absence. It will be a tough challenge against a strong Florida team, but the Volunteers will have to rally together and play their best basketball to come out on top.
As for Zeigler, the focus now will be on getting healthy and returning to action as soon as possible. His presence on the court will be greatly missed, but his teammates will no doubt be motivated to play hard and secure a win for him in his absence. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for Zeigler and a successful game for the Volunteers against Florida.
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