In the aftermath of Tennessee's 69-65 victory over Vanderbilt, head coach Rick Barnes didn't hold back in the locker room. "I'm going to tell you what, you guys are tough," Barnes declared.
"Our perimeter defense, there’s not a better team in the country when you all guard that ball like y’all did. It’s unbelievable."
Barnes' words might have had a touch of hyperbole, but the essence rings true. The Vols' defense was a standout factor in their win over Vanderbilt, signaling a positive trend as February comes to a close.
Last week, Tennessee's defensive prowess was on full display, limiting Vanderbilt to 65 points and Oklahoma to 64. Both teams are known for their offensive efficiency, with Vanderbilt ranking in the top 15 and Oklahoma in the top 30 nationally. Oklahoma was also one of the top five most efficient offenses in recent games before facing Tennessee.
Vanderbilt’s 65 points marked their second-lowest of the season, despite their nine-for-23 shooting from beyond the arc. The Commodores started strong, scoring 32 points in the first 15 minutes and building a seven-point lead. However, Tennessee ramped up their defensive intensity, allowing only 33 points in the final 25 minutes.
Freshman DeWayne Brown highlighted a strategic shift in ball screen coverage as a key factor. "We changed our ball screen coverage," Brown explained.
"Really, it came down to people guarding their man. At the end of the day, it just came down to guarding your guy and the effort plays."
Tennessee's adjustment involved switching from hard hedges to more drop coverage, a tactic not commonly used by the Vols but effective against Vanderbilt.
Oklahoma's 66 points were also their second-lowest of the season, with Tennessee forcing 15 turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities. Despite Oklahoma's solid shooting percentages, the Vols' defensive efforts stifled their offensive flow.
This defensive resurgence showcases Tennessee's growth this season. Earlier struggles with guarding talented backcourts have been mitigated by the development of players like Bishop Boswell, Amari Evans, and Ethan Burg, providing the Vols with more reliable defensive options.
Defense has always been a cornerstone of Rick Barnes’ program. While consistency was elusive earlier in the season, Tennessee is now finding their groove, leading to crucial victories.