KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Chaz Lanier scored 29 points to lead No. 1 Tennessee over No. 23 Arkansas 76-52 on Saturday, securing the best start to a season in program history.

The Volunteers (14-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) are off to their best start with the 1922-23 team, according to the school.

Igor Milicic Jr. had 13 points and 18 rebounds. Zakai Zeigler had 12 points and 7 assists.

Tennessee shot almost better from 3-point range (38.5%, 10 of 26) than from the field (39.1%, 27 of 69).

DJ Wagner had 17 points and Boogie Fland 12 for Arkansas (11-3, 0-1).

Takeaways

Arkansas: Freshman guard Karter Knox has been the “X” factor for the Razorbacks so far this season. His role has been expanded recently by filling in for Johnell Davis, who has been dealing with a wrist injury. He is feeling more and more comfortable as a goalscorer.

Tennessee: The challenge for Vols coach Rick Barnes is easing the stress of some heavy minutes in his eight-player rotation. Freshman Bishop Boswell, the ninth — and final — scholarship player on Tennessee’s roster, is limited by a shoulder injury. He’s working his way back into playing shape.

Key moment

With the game tied midway through the first half, Lanier scored seven straight points and the Vols went on a nine-point run, gaining a reprieve that they never lost.

Key statistics

Tennessee built a 27-12 rebounding lead in the first half and finished the game with a 51-29 lead.

Next

Arkansas hosts No. 24 Ole Miss on Wednesday, while Tennessee travels to No. 6 Florida on Tuesday.

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