Vols Show Improvement in Victory.

Nov 16, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Jordan McRae (52) reacts after scoring against the USC Upstate Spartans during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

After another slow start, the Vols pulled out a 74-65 victory against USC Upstate on Saturday night.  Upstate led by 13 points at one point and took a 7 point lead into halftime.  Tennessee, however, continued to chip away in the second half until they finally got over the hump and took the lead for good.

The Volunteers had 4 players in double figures, as Jarnell Stokes finished with 17 points and 18 rebounds, Jeronne Maymon with 15 points and 11 rebounds, Jordan McRae led the Vols in scoring with 18, and Antonio Barton had 13 points and several big shots.  Heralded recruit Robert Hubbs III scored his first points for the Vols tonight as he finished with 6 points and 2 3-pointers.  For the Spartans of Upstate, Torrey Craig finished with 18 points and Knoxville native Ty Greene had 15 points.

After a very woeful free throw shooting performance in their first game against Xavier in which they shot 7-19 from the charity stripe, the Vols improved drastically tonight as they finished 29-36 from the line.  That was a major point of concern following the first game loss.  They must continue to improve around the basket in order to play up to their potential.

The Vols (1-1) will host The Citadel on Monday at Thompson Boling Arena.  USC Upstate (1-2) will head to Niagara on Thursday.