KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 8 Tennessee men’s basketball toughed out a 65-46 win against Tarleton State on Thursday night inside the Food City Center.
The Vols were in a battle early. The Tecans played some pesky defense. They held a 12-10 lead over UT with 11:14 to go in the first half. Tennessee then began to intensify their defense as they began taking control of the game.
Three-pointers certainly helped the Vols in the scoring column. After trailing 12-10, The Vols made five three-pointers from Dalton Knecht, Zakai Zeigler, Santiago Vescovi, Jordan Gainey and Josiah-Jordan James.
UT took a 39-25 lead at halftime.
Tarleton State trimmed the lead for the Vols back down to single digits at 44-35 following some points in the paint. Tennessee went on a scoring drought, only making a basketball from Gainey in the stint of nearly four minutes.
Tarleton State got as close as six points in the second half, 50-44 with 5:45 left in regulation as shooting woes continued for the Vols and then Texans kept scoring in the paint.
Tennessee buckled down a little bit. Following a stop, Vescovi got to the free throw line and made both attempts for a 52-44 lead. On the following defensive possession, he drew a charge.
On the next offensive possession, Gainey scored on a layup to get the lead back to double digits at 54-44 lead with 4:05 to go. After a defensive stop, Zeigler was fouled driving to the basket. He made both for a 56-44 lead.
After Tarleton State turned the ball over, Tobe Awaka made two free throw attempts for a 14-point lead.
The Vols got past a scare and won the game.
Tennessee doesn’t play again until Jan. 2 against Norfolk State at home.
