Zakai Zeigler had an MRI on Friday night and it showed no structural damage to his right knee, Vols coach Rick Barnes said Saturday.
Zeigler did not play in Tennessee basketball’s 64-44 win against Florida at Food City Center due to the injury, which he suffered Tuesday against Kentucky.
I know that if Zakai could have gone, he would have,” Barnes said.
The No. 8 Vols (18-4, 5-4 SEC) had seven available scholarship players against the No. 6 Gators (18-3, 5-3). Zeigler was out as was forward Igor Milicic Jr., who had flu-like symptoms. Barnes indicated Milicic tried to get enough fluids pregame to play but could not.
Zakai Zeigler did not play in Tennessee’s win vs Florida
Zeigler suffered the injury with 2:17 to play in the first half of Tennessee’s 78-73 loss to No. 12 Kentucky at Food City Center. He drove to the hoop and appeared to hyperextend his right knee. He hopped up and headed immediately for the Tennessee bench, hobbling off the court and down the tunnel.
He returned to play all 20 second-half minutes. He did not practice Thursday and was limited in practice Friday. Vols coach Rick Barnes indicated Tuesday that Zeigler’s knee was sound. He added Friday he is “not one bit” worried about Zeigler’s injury and, at the time, expected him to be ready for the Gators.
Senior Jordan Gainey started at point guard and had one of his best games with the Vols. He had 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals.
Tennessee put together one of its most impressive wins under Barnes, shutting down the high-powered Florida offense.
