In a thrilling showdown in Nashville, Tennessee's role players rose to the occasion, clinching a 69-65 victory over rival Vanderbilt. This road win was marked by key contributions from unexpected heroes, proving that the Vols' depth is a force to be reckoned with.
Role Players Shine Bright
It's often said that role players perform best at home, but Tennessee flipped the script. While the stars had an off night, the supporting cast delivered when it mattered most.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie started strong with five points in the opening minutes but cooled off, finishing with 17 points on a tough six-for-14 shooting night. Meanwhile, Nate Ament struggled offensively, hitting just three of his 13 attempts.
Despite his challenges, Ament nailed a crucial contested turnaround to secure the lead with under a minute left.
DeWayne Brown, despite foul trouble, was a defensive stalwart, adding eight points and four rebounds. Ethan Burg sparked the Vols with his defensive tenacity, forcing a key turnover and contributing offensively.
Bishop Boswell, not typically known for scoring, made two pivotal baskets late in the game. Amari Evans, seeing more action than usual, added a crucial bucket and sealed the win with a final free throw.
Navigating Foul Trouble
The Vols faced significant foul trouble, especially in the frontcourt, with JP Estrella sidelined due to foot soreness. Felix Okpara, who started strong, was hampered by fouls, limiting him to just 16 minutes on the court. DeWayne Brown and Jaylen Carey also found themselves in foul trouble, forcing Tennessee to adopt a four-guard lineup more than usual.
Defensive Prowess
Tennessee's defense was the backbone of their victory. After a hot start offensively, the Vols hit a cold spell, allowing Vanderbilt to build a nine-point lead.
However, Tennessee's defense clamped down, holding the Commodores to just three points in the final five minutes of the first half, all from the free-throw line. This defensive stand cut the deficit to four at halftime.
The Vols maintained their defensive intensity into the second half, forcing turnovers and keeping Vanderbilt at bay. This relentless pressure allowed Tennessee to level the score and ultimately secure the win.
Looking Ahead
Tennessee hits the road again Tuesday night, facing a Missouri team hungry for a win to boost their NCAA Tournament hopes. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
This game was a testament to Tennessee's depth and resilience, showcasing how vital every player is in the pursuit of victory.