Volunteers Dominate Rebels in High-Scoring Showdown
The Tennessee Volunteers, ranked 5th, delivered a commanding performance against the 22nd-ranked Rebels with a final score of 90-64. The Volunteers now stand with an impressive record while the Rebels adjust to their tally on the season.
In front of a packed house at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, the Tennessee Volunteers showcased their offensive might and defensive solidity against Ole Miss. The home team's scoring was relentless from start to finish, racking up 40 points in the first half and escalating their efforts to add another 50 points by game's end. Their shooting accuracy was on display as they hit 47 percent from the field and an exceptional 85 percent from the free-throw line.
The Volunteers' teamwork shone through with an outstanding total of 25 assists, reflecting a well-oiled machine that distributed scoring opportunities across the board. They also capitalized on turnovers, matching Ole Miss with 16 points off turnovers despite having one fewer turnover themselves.
On defense, Tennessee was just as formidable. They outrebounded Ole Miss significantly with a total rebound count of 47 compared to Ole Miss's modest collection of only 24 rebounds. This included grabbing an impressive number of offensive rebounds which led to them scoring an additional 22 second-chance points.
Tennessee’s three-point shooting contributed significantly to their victory as well; they made eleven three-pointers at a solid rate of thirty-seven percent. Their ability to score both inside and outside kept Ole Miss off balance throughout the contest.
Ole Miss did have moments where they shined – particularly in fast break situations where they scored twenty fast break points and were able to make six three-pointers at thirty-eight percent accuracy. However, it wasn't enough against Tennessee’s robust defense which limited them overall to forty-three percent shooting from the field.
As for individual performances for Tennessee that stood out – although specific players are not mentioned – it can be inferred that there were significant contributions across various aspects including steals (seven), blocks (three), and assists (twenty-five).
Looking ahead for fans eager to follow their team's progress: The next challenge for Tennessee will be away against Mississippi State Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville on January tenth at six o'clock PM Eastern Time. This game will be broadcast nationally on SEC Network channel six hundred eleven for those who wish to tune in and support their team.