Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament run came to a heartbreaking close in the Elite Eight, as the Volunteers fell to Houston, 69-50. The loss extended their long-standing pursuit of a Final Four appearance.
Senior guard Zakai Zeigler, who has been instrumental in Tennessee’s success, had a difficult night, shooting 1-of-9. Over the past four seasons, Zeigler and head coach Rick Barnes have led Tennessee to a 109-35 record and four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
Tennessee Falls Short in Elite Eight, Zakai Zeigler and Barnes Share Emotional Moment
Tennessee’s season ended in heartbreak Sunday as the Volunteers fell to Houston in Elite Eight at Lucas Oil Stadium. As the game slipped away, senior point guard Zakai Zeigler exited the court for the final time in a Tennessee uniform, stopping to shake hands and hug head coach Rick Barnes.
“I’m sorry,” Zeigler told Barnes as he checked out of the game.
But Barnes had no intention of accepting that apology.
“He said, ‘I’m sorry, Coach,’” Barnes recalled. “I told him to stop. He never needs to apologize to me for anything.”
Later again, during the postgame press conference when the players were leaving, the two shared a heartfelt moment:
This moment between Zakai Zeigler and Rick Barnes ❤️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/nbxoN7tuRi
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 30, 2025
Despite his struggles, he leaves as the program’s all-time leader in assists (747) and steals (251) and holds the SEC’s single-season assist record (275).
The Volunteers, who had never been to a Final Four before, were behind by 22 points at the end of the first half. They never even came close to catching up, losing by only 10.
Jordan Gainey and Chaz Lanier scored Tennessee’s highest points, each with 17 points, but the team only had a 28.8% field goal average and 5-for-29 three-point shots, including 0-for-14 at the beginning of the game.
“I love these guys to death,” Zeigler said. “They’re people that changed my life and I just love these guys to death and I’m just thankful that I was part of a team like this.”
Jahmai Mashack, another key senior, added four points, five rebounds, and two steals. Alongside Zeigler, he helped lead Tennessee to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet 16s, and two Elite Eight berths.
“The mark that Tennessee has left on me is really crazy to just think about. It’s been the best four years of my life,” Zeigler said. “Changed my life. And I feel like Knoxville is a place I’ll call home forever. So everything that I’ve done there, everything that they’ve done for me has been nothing less than great, and I wouldn’t even say ups and downs.”
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
