Sat Feb 01 23:10:00 IST 2025: ## Tennessee’s Zeigler, Milicic Out for Crucial Top-10 Showdown Against Florida

**KNOXVILLE, TN** – The Tennessee Volunteers will be significantly shorthanded for their crucial top-10 matchup against the Florida Gators on Saturday. Starting point guard Zakai Zeigler and forward Igor Milicic Jr. will both miss the game due to injury and illness, respectively, coach Rick Barnes confirmed to ESPN.

Zeigler, a senior and one of the nation’s top point guards, suffered a right knee injury Tuesday against Kentucky but returned to finish the game. However, he missed Thursday’s practice and has been ruled out for Saturday’s contest. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the Volunteers’ offense, where he averages 12.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Sixth-year man Jordan Gainey is expected to fill in at point guard.

Milicic Jr., meanwhile, is sidelined by illness. His absence will be felt on the boards, where he averages 10.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Former Hofstra transfer Darlinstone Dubar will start in his place.

The injuries leave Tennessee with only seven scholarship players available for the noon ET showdown against the No. 5 Gators (18-2, 5-2 SEC). The No. 8 Volunteers (17-4, 4-4 SEC) have struggled recently, losing four of their last seven games, including back-to-back losses to Auburn and Kentucky. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. The team’s performance against Florida will be a critical test of their resilience and depth in the face of adversity.

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