Rapid Reaction: Vols Basketball Defeats Texas Southern, 70-58

After dropping their first game of the season, the Vols found a way to win Thursday night in their home opener, beating Texas Southern 70-58. PHOTO: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee basketball team took the court Thursday night against Texas Southern for their home opener for the 2014-15 season, and it looked a little uneasy to begin the game.

Texas Southern (0-3) led for a good portion of the 1st half, and the two teams were tied at 30 at halftime thanks to poor shooting and a bevy of fouls by the Vols.

The second half started out just as hectic as the 1st, but the Vols were eventually able to pull away and earn their first victory of the season, beating the Tigers 70-58 in front of an announced crowd of 13,236.

Vols guard Josh Richardson led the scoring with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting and added in 8 rebounds. Kevin Punter chipped in 13 points, and Armani Moore added 11 points and 8 rebounds along with a couple of blocks.

Willie Carmichael saw his first action of the season and scored 10 points and pulled in 7 rebounds.

David Blanks led the way for the Tigers, scoring 14 points and adding 6 rebounds.

The Vols out rebounded the Tigers 40-27 and shot 44% on three pointers. The Vols also forced 13 Tiger turnovers, stealing the ball 8 times and blocking another 6 shots.

Up next for the Vols will be the Orlando Classic, where they will take on Santa Clara in the first round of the regular season tournament.