Tennessee is starting to find its rhythm in SEC play, and Tuesday night in Knoxville was another step forward. The No.
25 Volunteers handled Ole Miss with authority, pulling away for an 84-66 win that marked their fourth straight conference victory. But while the scoreboard told one story, the sideline drama added another layer.
Freshman Nate Ament was the headline act for the Vols. The 6-foot-9 wing erupted for 28 points, showcasing a level of poise and polish that belies his age.
He was everywhere-knocking down shots, attacking off the dribble, and finishing through contact. It wasn’t just the numbers, though; it was the way he took control of the game.
Ament’s performance was a reminder that Tennessee’s ceiling this season might be higher than we thought, especially if the freshman continues to grow into a go-to role.
Tennessee’s second-half surge put the game out of reach, but not before things got heated. With just over six minutes left, Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard was ejected after a pair of technical fouls.
The first came when Beard stormed onto the court in the middle of live play, furious over a no-call he believed should’ve gone his team’s way. The second came moments later, as he continued to argue with officials.
It was a dramatic exit, and one that underscored the mounting frustration on the Ole Miss bench.
After the game, Beard didn’t shy away from the topic. Speaking to the media for about four minutes, he addressed the ejection head-on.
He voiced his frustration with the officiating, particularly the foul disparity-Tennessee shot 34 free throws to Ole Miss’s 21-and gave his take on what led to his removal. Beard also tipped his cap to Ament, acknowledging the freshman’s standout performance.
For Tennessee, the win keeps momentum rolling at a critical point in the season. The Vols are starting to look like a team that’s figuring out its identity-anchored by a maturing young star, backed by a defense that’s tightening up, and led by a coaching staff that’s making the right adjustments.
As for Ole Miss, the loss stings, and the ejection will grab headlines, but there's still plenty of basketball left. The key now is how they respond-not just to the loss, but to the emotional swing that came with it.
This one had a little bit of everything: a breakout performance, a heated moment, and a team on the rise. Tennessee fans have plenty to be excited about, and the rest of the SEC is officially on notice.