KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Tuesday night, No. 5 Tennessee defeated Norfolk State, 87-50, inside Food City Center.
The team had a 12-day holiday break to rest, recharge and adjust to pull off a complete performance before conference play.
Tennessee’s starting lineup included Dalton Knecht, Josiah-Jordan James, Jonas Aidoo, Zakai Zeigler and Santiago Vescovi. This matchup marked James' 100th career start. He opened up scoring with an "and one" for the Vols. Soon after, Tobe Awaka threw up four more points on back-to-back possessions to give the Vols a 7-2 lead.
Jamal Mashack hit a nice three to put the Vols up by double digits in the first half, 16-5. Tennessee went on an 18-0 run to end the half, 43-18.
In the second half, Santiago Vescovi recorded his 400th career assist to Jonas Aidoo. Vescovi also had nine points on the night and shot 3-4 from beyond the arc.
Dalton Knecht had been stuck in a funk during the Vols’ last three games, but on Tuesday night, that all changed.
Head coach Rick Barnes has repeatedly said that Knecht is a versatile player who can do anything on the court. He put up 15 points, four rebounds and four assists in his performance, showing that he can help make plays for other guys.
Zakai Zeigler led with 17 points and picked up four assists of his own. Tobe Awaka was the fourth and final player to score in double-figures with ten points.
Freshman players JP Estrella and Cade Phillips got some minutes in tonight and combined for six points.
Overall a very strong performance from the Vols ahead of their first SEC matchup against Ole Miss. That tip-off is Saturday at 6 p.m.
