March Madness: Vols Get Past UMass Easily
By Zach Ragan
Mar 21, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen forward Maxie Esho (1) drives to the basket against Tennessee Volunteers forward Jeronne Maymon (34) in the first half of a men
The Vols didn’t look anything like an #11 seed on Friday afternoon against the UMass Minutemen, as they cruised to a 86-67 victory.
Tennessee jumped out to an early lead and despite a couple of runs from the Minutemen early in the second half, they were able to preserve a double-digit victory.
Jarnell Stokes had a career high 26 points to go with his 14 rebounds (his 21st double-double of the season; one shy of the UT record held by Bernard King). Jordan McRae added 21 points and Josh Richardson and Jeronne Maymon added 15 and 11 respectively.
The Vols were provided a spark by Richardson, who had a couple of impressive blocks. McRae also added some energy with this thunderous dunk.
Tennessee will take on #14 seeded Mercer on Sunday for the right to play in the Sweet 16.
Mercer upset #3 seeded Duke earlier on Friday afternoon.
Tennessee is heating up at the right time and a trip to the Sweet 16 might be just what the Cuonzo Martin doubters need to silence the skepticism.