Middle Tennessee guard Jlynn Counter, right, drives against Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier)during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee forward Cade Phillips (12) dunks past Middle Tennessee guard Jlynn Counter (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier (2) shoots over Middle Tennessee forward Torey Alston (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Middle Tennessee guard Jlynn Counter (2) looks to pass as he's defended by Tennessee guard Jordan Gainey (11) and forward Igor Milicic Jr. (7) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) drives against Middle Tennessee State guard Jestin Porter (3) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Middle Tennessee guard Camryn Weston (24) works for a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee forward Cade Phillips reacts to dunking the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Middle Tennessee, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier (2) shoots during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Middle Tennessee, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)