In Nashville, Tennessee's basketball team faced a tough challenge against Vanderbilt, ultimately falling 75-68. The game turned into a free throw showdown in the second half, and Tennessee couldn't keep up.
Coach Rick Barnes highlighted the missed opportunities at the line. "Free throws today.
We had a chance to build a lead in the first half. Missed free throws," he remarked.
Jaylen Carey struggled, missing all four of his attempts in the first half. Even Ja’Kobi Gillespie, usually reliable, only managed two out of four.
Felix Okpara and Nate Ament also faltered, with Ament missing a crucial shot to tie the game.
The Vols ended up shooting 16-for-26 from the line, a stark contrast to Vanderbilt's impressive 22-of-26, including a clutch 11-of-12 in the final minutes. This discrepancy was a key factor in the game's outcome.
"It's definitely a mental thing," said JP Estrella, a junior power forward. "We talk about it, coach talks about it, you have to be mentally strong to make those.
Especially down the stretch." The team missed 10 free throws, and it's an issue that's plagued them all season.
Currently, Tennessee ranks 288th nationally with a 69.4% free throw percentage. In their 11 losses, they've shot just 62.6% from the line, missing nine or more free throws in five of those games. Their matchup against Kansas was the only exception, where they surpassed the 70% mark.
The Vols are aware of the problem and have been working on it. Estrella explained their practice routine: "We do a free throw thing after every shoot around.
We go into two different groups and you have to make 50 free throws. Every miss is minus-three.
Every make is plus-one. You get to like 40 it’s minus-four. 45 is minus-five."
Despite the practice, translating that success into games remains a challenge. As Tennessee heads into the NCAA Tournament, improving at the line will be crucial if they hope to make a deep run. While any single game could see them excel, their free throw shooting woes are a persistent hurdle that needs overcoming.