AP men’s player of the week: Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler has massive game in win over Middle Tennessee

By The Associated Press The Associated Press

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)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Wade Payne]

Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler is The Associated Press men’s college basketball player of the week. The 5-foot-9 guard had 17 points, 15 assists and four rebounds in Tennessee’s 82-64 victory over Middle Tennessee. Zeigler’s assists were the fifth most in program history and the most since 1987. He also is the first Southeastern Conference player in 20 years to have a 15-point, 15-assist game in a nonconference regulation game. Tennessee remained atop the AP Top 25 for the fourth straight week following Zeigler’s performance. Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton was runner-up after scoring a career-high 33 points in a 103-83 victory over Indiana State.